THIS weekend's fundraising Wirral Egg Run tribute ride has been postponed as Government measures on social distancing aimed at tackling the coronavirus outbreak continue.

Thousands of bikers were due to descend on Wirral this Sunday, collecting Easter eggs and raising funds for Claire House, Blood Bikes Merseyside & Cheshire and Northwest Air Ambulance by riding through the borough's towns and villages.

The event is a tribute to the original Wirral Egg Run, which was cancelled in 2013 after more than 30 years of operation.

But in a statement on the event's Facebook page, organiser Stephen Paul Kelly confirmed this weekend's run had been postponed.

However, you can still donate and fundraise.

If you have collected Eggs to hand over to the bikers, you can donate them to your local foodbank.

You can also still donate to the charities' Just Giving Pages (see links at at the end of this article).

In his Facebook post, organiser Stephen Paul Kelly insisted the event would be back, hopefully, later this year.

He wrote: "It’s become apparent over the last few days that we have no choice but to postpone the run.

"Although it is unofficial, we still need the co-operation of the Police and Council to allow collections etc.

"Between 2013 - 16 we had a constant threat of arrest and shut down. Since then both the Police and council have helped, allowing us to do the event for no cost.

"If we do not official postpone the event until the summer that support will not be there in future years.

"We can not threaten future events by going ahead.

"So as much as it kills me to say this but next week is postponed.

"Those who know me personally will understand just how hard this decision is. Had the threat been directed at myself I would have said lets do it any way, but we can't risk the future of the event.

"I appreciate some people will be happy with this decision and some not so happy.

For those who are about to say “I am going anyway” please consider the future of the run. No one can stop you going out on your bike next weekend but please behave."

"So, let’s not dwell on the postponement but look forward to a bigger and better run in the Summer. No idea on dates yet but I will not let this virus stop us raising money for the charities.

"I will start planning and announce the “Summer No Eggs Run” and come back to you

"Once again, this a postponement not a cancellation.

"If you happen to out next Sunday and end up at the dips, please considered the effect of your action will have on future events."

However, the fundraising continues.

Mr Kelly continued: "The just giving pages are still open if you can afford to donate no matter how small it will be appreciated.

"If you have Eggs, then please donate to your local foodbank.

"None of our charities can take any eggs due to staff shortages and the obvious risk of handling them.

"We still have T shirt Patches and mugs available if you want them. Hopefully we will still raise some money form the sales.

"The Just Giving Pages have a total of £409 of which £300 was donated by Carolanne Lynn Crook who has give £100 to each charity.

"That lady truly understands what this event is about, and I offer my personal thanks."

You can also still donate to the charities' Just Giving Pages:

Claire House: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/clairehousewirraleggrun

Blood Bikes: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/bloodbikeswirraleggrun2020

Northwest Air Ambulance: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nwaawirraleggrun2020