Biker hatches plan for Winchester cancer ward

A motorcycle engineer from Hampshire is preparing to ride hundreds of miles across the UK dressed as a chicken to raise money for a hospital cancer ward that has cared for his wife.

Debben Performance owner Steve Debben is planning to ride a 1967 175cc Bantam, which was once his grandad’s, from Burnmouth to Bournemouth next month.

The 419 mile trip is to raise money for the Nick Jonas Cancer Ward at Royal Hampshire County Hospital, where Steve says staff have provided exceptional care to his wife Jodie during her cancer treatment.

“My wife has been there since last year, it’s been an ongoing thing,” he explained. 

“The staff are amazing, they’re handpicked for the job.I just want them to know how grateful I am, it’s a lovely place” 

The route will see him leave Burnmouth Harbour at 8am on Friday 3rd of April, in hope to be there in time for midday Monday 6th of April to the south coast of England on the small vintage motorcycle but whilst wearing a chicken costume.

He hopes the unusual challenge will help attract attention and encourage people to donate to the ward.

“I’m aiming to be there around lunchtime. My wife, Jodie, will be waiting for me at Undercliff Drive on the seafront, it has a romantic meaning for us it’s where we had our first kiss”

“With me being dressed up as a chicken, it means there’s going to be more awareness and people would be more willing to donate.”

But Steve has his doubts before making the journey. 

“I dont even know if I can make it, I can’t use motorways. It’s my first time doing something like this, there’s not been any real planning.”

“It will take three and half to four days. I’ve had people say they want to meet me on the way – there’s a bit of pressure.”

The bike Steve will be using was inherited from his grandfather, a bike that he had a lot of childhood memories with. 

“It was in his shed under an orange cover for as long as I can remember, as a kid I would sneak off and go see it. I would never have thought that I would be driving from Burnmouth to Bouremouth with it. 

The event is set to take place on the 3rd of April to the 6th of April, and it’s already raised nearly £3,000.