Community pulls together for Ride 4 Violet-Grace

The event saw bikers and cyclists ride to the two hospitals, Whiston and Alder Hey, where medics tried to save Violet’s life after she was struck by a car in an horrific hit-and-run in March 2017.

Violet-Grace Youens

Stalls outside Saints’ Totally Wicked Stadium included NHS Blood and Transplant and CPR Training. 

It was a day of fun too, with face painting, bouncy castles and emergency services providing attractions.

But the reason at the heart of the day, Violet-Grace, was never far from everyone’s thoughts, with t-shirts featuring the little girl’s face visible all around the grounds that surround the Saints stadium.

Many of the motorbikes that travelled along the route roaring their engines had violet ribbons tied to them. 

And there was an immensely poignant moment when the group of cyclists, led by Violet’s father Glenn, rode past the spot on Prescot Road where the four-year-old suffered the injuries that claimed her life.

A crowd of spectators who had gathered on the road applauded both the bikers and cyclists on their way as violet balloons and a floral wreath, carrying the words Our Superhero, hung from lampposts.

During the event, which was being held for the third year running, 34 people signed the organ donor register in Violet’s memory.

The Eccleston girl’s organs, which were donated following her death, helped to save two lives.