The last time Phyllis Betts rode pillion on a motorbike, she came off! That was 45 years ago. But Phyllis, a patient at Nottinghamshire Hospice, has always wanted to get back in the saddle – her dream being to ride on a Harley Davidson.

Now that dream has come true, thanks to Roy Radford and fellow bikers from the Sherwood Harley Davidson chapter who came in convoy to the hospice to take Phyllis for a ride. Phyllis, of Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, rode pillion on the back of Roy’s Harley Davidson Ultra.

Phyllis, who has COPD and cancer, said: “I’ve always had a fascination with Harleys. They’re the bees knees, they were then and they are now. So when staff at the hospice asked what was on my bucket list that’s what I said. It was just a pipe dream – I never thought it would actually happen! I was excited about it and nervous too. You have to be careful what you wish for!

“I absolutely loved it. It was a very smooth ride. And now I’ve got a badge, I’ve been made honorary member of the Chapter!”

In her younger days Phyllis, originally from Derbyshire, used to ride pillion on a big silver Triumph, enjoying rides out to Matlock Bath and other popular biker destinations.

When other patients at the Day Therapy centre heard what Phyllis was doing they wanted to sponsor her, and she has now raised more than £400 for Nottinghamshire Hospice.

The group of six bikers took Phyllis and hospice nurse Bekki, herself a biker, out to Lowdham to pay a surprise visit to Phyllis’ daughter Becky who works as a chef in the World’s End pub there. Staff and regulars at the pub also contributed to Phyllis’ fund.

Liz Morgan, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “Here at the hospice we try to help patients achieve their goals and make the most of the time that they have left. We’re thrilled to be able to help make this dream come true.”

Roy Radford, Director of the Sherwood Chapter for the past six years said: “We’re delighted to be able to help. It doesn’t cost anything and if it makes somebody happy it’s the thing to do.

“There is a wonderful camaraderie among the Harley community and we’re always happy to help with things like this.”

The Harley trip links in to Nottinghamshire Hospice’s Care at Christmas campaign which aims to give patients and their families the greatest gift of all this Christmas, time together to make lasting memories. The campaign aims to raise £50,000 which will enable the hospice to provide compassionate care, warmth and festive spirit to five families every single day in December, including Christmas day.