News Beat
Simon Bailes supporting Boundary 500 Zoe’s Place event
Simon Bailes, managing director of Simon Bailes Peugeot, is supporting the Boundary 500 Santa Ride, a festive motorcycle parade held to support Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice -a charity providing respite and palliative care for babies and young children with life-limiting conditions.
The hardy annual, which began in 2006, was staged in November with up to 160 riders dressed as Father Christmas tackling the 22-mile route from Thornaby town centre to Kirkleatham.
Thousands of spectators line the route, with crowds estimated to be between 50,000 and 100,000 people in recent years.
Mr Bailes said: “Christmas should be about kindness and community, not just gifts under the tree.
“Zoe’s Place gives families something far more precious – time, care and dignity when they need it most.
“When you see the riders dressed as Santa, the crowds cheering, and you know it’s all for children who desperately need support, it’s impossible not to be moved.
“That’s why we’ve supported this event for nearly two decades; because every pound raised makes a real difference.
“Next year we’re planning something special with raffle tickets for the chance to ride on the parade bus.
“It’s a brilliant way to get people involved and raise even more for Zoe’s Place.
“The community here always steps up, and I know they’ll do it again.”
The Boundary 500 group has raised around £905,000 for Zoe’s Place since the event began, with hopes of reaching the £1 million milestone soon.
Brian Laverick, founder of the Boundary 500 group, said: “When we started this back in 2006, we never imagined it would grow into one of the region’s biggest festive events.
“The support from riders, councils, police, the public, and of course Simon Bailes Peugeot has been incredible.
“We’ve raised over £905,000 so far and we’re determined to hit the £1 million mark soon.
“It’s not just about the money – it’s about showing families that they’re not alone.”
