BIKERS will be revving their engines to raise money for a south Essex children’s hospice at this year’s Southend Shakedown.

On Easter Monday, thousands of bikers will descend on Southend Seafront for the highly-anticipated annual event, in aid of Little Havens.

The Thundersley-based hospice was chosen by Southend Shakedown as its nominated charity, for the work it does to provide palliative nursing and supportive care to babies, children and teenagers living with complex or incurable conditions.

Money raised from the day will help the hospice’s specialist care team support terminally ill children and their whole family.

Community fundraiser for Havens Hospices, Sally Bridger, will be representing Little Havens at the Shakedown.

She said: “We must raise over £40,000 each week to be there for every baby, child and teenager who needs us, and Little Havens doesn’t charge a penny for its care.

“The hospice can only exist because of the support and generosity of the community, so we are truly grateful to Southend Shakedown’s committee for choosing to support the hospice this year.

“It was also great fun meeting the Ghostbusters team, who will be at the shakedown and who will also be visiting one of Little Havens’ Saturday Social events soon to bring some joy to the children and their families.”

Southend Shakedown is a free event which will run from 10am until 5pm on Easter Monday.

Bands including Pure Dshe, the Roosters, Short Round and You Little Thief, will perform.

Trade stands, kids games and more will be at hand to keep everyone entertained, alongside a special appearance from the Southend Ghostbusters, the Ghostbusters van, and the giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man Character, where families will be able to have their photograph taken in return for a donation.

Adam Ball, chairman of Southend Shakedown said: “The event is a fun day out, for families and bikers alike.

“In previous years the public have been so generous with their donations towards our nominated charity and this year we feel really hope to emulate the same success for Little Havens.

“As someone who has personally seen the effects of incurable conditions, we feel like this is a very worthy cause and can’t wait to raise lots of money on the day.”