A care worker’s Facebook post drew kind-hearted bikers from across Nottinghamshire to celebrate the 90th birthday of a former racer living with dementia.
Bikers Simon Pett, Pete, Berry, and Matt spotted the post and rode through the rain to mark the milestone birthday for Frank Hawkins.
Seeing the sort of two-wheeled machines that he used to race around his favourite circuit Mallory Park in Leicestershire brought a beaming smile to Frank’s face as he repeatedly said “wow” at the bikes.
This was a complete transformation from the dementia-impacted patient that sat at the breakfast table earlier in the day.
Frank inspecting the first motorcycle of the day
Simon, 61 from West Bridgford, spotted the post by care-worker Sam and decided to join the celebration.
He said: “I’ve been a biker for about 45 years or so.
“I saw the post about a drive-by for this gentleman’s big birthday on Facebook.
“Of course I’m happy to come and show him the bike.”
Although Simon had previously taken part in charity events, he said this was his first time bringing a bike to a care home celebration, mostly curious about what bikes the resident used to have and what he thought of his.
Residents, who talked about once riding on the back of their partner’s motorcycles, also came outside to relive memories and speak with the bikers.
Pete from Sherwood Chapter, a Nottingham-based motorcycle club established in the 1990s, said he had taken part in similar community events before, including funerals where he witnessed hundreds of bikers attending to show their support.
Biker Berry attended by car due to a shoulder injury, but still brought Frank a gift: a book all about classic British motorcycles.
Frank with his birthday present “Classic British Motorcycles”
Sam, a care home worker who had only been in the role for two weeks, helped organise the event and admitted she was happy to see Frank smile and enjoy the morning before he may get overwhelmed by further planned celebrations with cake and family.
As the visit came to an end, residents, staff, and bikers gathered to sing happy birthday before usually impassive Frank thanked everyone, emphasising how lovely everyone was for coming out.
