THEY often come across as rough and tough.

But bikers from Yorkshire and beyond have shown their compassionate side by raising money to help a toddler from Huddersfield.

Their efforts have proved remarkably successful, as members and friends of the Aire Valley UK Harley Owners’ Group (HOG) raised a staggering £5,000 for the Oliver Field Appeal.

Oliver, 22 months, of Dalton, is battling neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the nervous system for which he has just finished a year of harrowing treatment at the Leeds General Infirmary.

Although the treatment has been successful and his parents have just learned Oliver is now free of cancer symptoms, they face an anxious five years before he gets the all-clear.

However, as neuroblastoma has a high rate of recurrence, they are continuing with their fundraising in case they have to seek treatment abroad if the cancer returns.

Rob and Dorothy Mitchelmore have organised HOG on the Humber for the past 10 years and Rob said they decided to donate the proceeds of the rally to the appeal when they found out about it from one of their members, who works with Oliver’s mum.

“Every year, we try to choose a cause where we can make a real difference to a child in Yorkshire. Oliver’s appeal was an obvious choice because of the connections and because we knew that anything we did would help his family at what has been such difficult time.

“It’s fantastic that his treatment has worked so far, but we want to help make sure his family don’t have to worry about funding any future treatment that Oliver may require.

“We’re absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to donate so much this year and want to thank all those who supported HOG on the Humber for their generosity.”

The money was raised through a combination of rally tickets, raffles, a cosmetics sale and auction, as well as through contributions from hundreds more bikers who took part in a spectacular mass ride across the Humber Bridge.

The ride was started by Oliver’s four-year-old brother Sam.

Oliver’s mum Laura said:“Our whole family went across to Hull for the bridge crossing, including my brother, who went on his bike.

“It was a brilliant day – the boys loved seeing all the beautiful bikes and the sight and sound of them all heading out across the bridge was amazing.

“We’re really grateful for the support of Aire Valley UK, all those who took part in HOG on the Humber and everyone who donated on the day. It’s a fantastic amount, which will really make a difference to our fundraising effort.”