Bikers give Ellesmere Port care home resident birthday to remember

More than two dozen members of the community group gathered at Aaron Court Care Home, on Princes Road, to celebrate Spike Maloney’s 77th birthday.

The surprise visit saw Spike given an honouree membership, when he was presented with a hoody, cap, sticker, and keyring bearing the group’s insignia.

Aaron Court Care Home resident Spike Maloney (left) receives gifts from two members of the Robbers Dogs community motorcycle group for his 77th birthday.

He was also given the chance to look around more than 20 bikes and trikes, bringing back happy memories from his own biker days.

Spike said: “It was amazing seeing all the bikes. I’m overwhelmed. Thank you so much for arranging this for me.”

His sons, Tim and Nick, were both at the care home for the celebrations. Tim said: “I haven’t seen my dad smile like that for a long time.”

Aaron Court Care Home resident Spike Maloney (left) with his sons, Tim and Nick, on his 77th birthday.

Nick added: “My father and his brother owned bikes in their late teens and early 20s. However, his mother didn’t like them and, after a near miss and being a doting son, it was short lived and he gave it up.

“He did have a real fondness for Harley Davidsons, so much so that when he retired at 58 he was looking to buy one.

"Unfortunately for him, due to his old footballing injuries, he was unable to really ride, so he never got the chance to own a real Harley. So, this day meant the world to him.”

Jane Armstrong, health care assistant at Aaron Court Care Home, invited the Robbers Dogs to attend Spike’s birthday after learning he was a fan of motorcycles.

She said: “I knew Spike's birthday was coming up. So, I asked for permission from his family to do something for him. I then asked Spike what he liked and he said motorcycles.

“I have known the biker club Robbers Dogs for years and knew they wouldn't let us down.

"They agreed to bring a few bikes down for his birthday but, wow, we had about 20 bikes and trikes in the car park. Spike smiled from the minute he saw them.

“All the residents enjoyed it. We are all so grateful to everyone that came to share his birthday. Thank you again to the Robbers Dogs and all the bikers.”