'KICK IN THE TEETH'
Heroic bikers left with ‘bitter taste’ after being hit with parking fines while delivering Easter eggs to sick children
Car park operators Horizon sent fines to members of the Durham Easter Egg Run
HEROIC bikers have been left with a "bitter taste" in their mouths after being hit with parking fines for doing a good deed.
The selfless group were out delivering thousands of Easter eggs to sick children when they slapped with the jaw-dropping notice.
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Hundreds of motor bikers taking part in the charity ride and drop-off had arranged to meet in a Tesco Extra car park, in Durham, beforehand.
Ahead of the acts of kindness on March 31, organisers had arranged with the supermarket giant to stay longer than the allowed three hours on the grounds.
The group met to ensure everyone could take part in the route safely.
But more than a dozen participants were issued with a £70 fine for overstaying their welcome.
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Graeme Mills, who helped organise the event, said their biggest year yet for donations has been ruined by the penalties.
He told the Northern Echo: “We're just trying to do the best we can for the kids and charities.
“It just leaves a bad taste with all the good work we have done and this year has been the biggest ever with the money raised and eggs donated.
“The people helping put the event on are the ones who’ve been punished for it."
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Graeme went on to say car park operators Horizon knew what the group were there for so to get a fine is an "awful feeling".
When one biker tried to appeal the fine, he was told by Horizon: "Whilst we have considered your representations carefully, on this occasion your appeal has been rejected."
Despite this, Tesco has said it will ensure all fines are waived.
A spokesperson for Tesco said: "We’re sorry to hear that these fines have been issued.
"Our colleagues at the store are working to get them revoked as we are always happy to support this local community event.”
Durham MP Mary Foy added: "My message to Horizon Parking is simple - do the honourable thing, wipe these fines immediately and apologise to the organisers for any distress they have caused."
Nearly 3,000 eggs were donated to youngsters in hospitals this Easter, with drop-offs also being made to care homes and to families in need.
A whopping £3,600 was also raised.
What are Easter egg runs?
The group if bikers in Durham have been doing Easter egg runs for the last 10 years.
But what is it?
Hundreds of bikers take to the streets on Easter Sunday to deliver chocolate eggs to children in hospital.
The event has seen bikers travel to Durham from all over the country.
Money can also be raised for poorly kids as well.