Santas swap sleighs for bikes
Over the weekend of 4 – 6 December motorbike lovers across the South West are being asked to don their festive attire and take part in Santas on a Bike to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) and its children’s hospices; Little Bridge House in north Devon, Charlton Farm in Somerset and Little Harbour in St Austell.
Santas on a Bike is an annual festive fundraiser held across the region, which sees three mass ride outs of Santas riding motorbikes and raising funds for, and visiting, their local children’s hospice. Hundreds usually join the routes which cover Ivybridge to Little Harbour children’s hospice in St Austell, Taunton to Little Bridge House children’s hospice in Fremington, and Cribbs Causeway to Charlton Farm children’s hospice in Wraxall, ending up with a celebration at the hospice.
Although the motorbikes won’t be able to visit the hospices this year due to Covid restrictions, riders are still keen to get out and raise as much money and awareness as they can for CHSW which has continued to provide vital care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, through an extremely challenging year.
Organisers simply ask that Santas ride solo, plan a safe and enjoyable route adhering to all government guidelines and not to visit their local hospice as they usually would, but to simply add their donations online instead. Participants are encouraged to dress up in festive attire, decorate their bikes and encourage friends, family and colleagues to make a donation to CHSW via justgiving.com/santasonabike2020
Jerry Rogers who organises the ‘Santas on a Bike to Little Harbour’ said: "This year has been one to forget without a doubt. However, when we think how bad the year might have been for us, please remember what it has been like for the families who are so dependent upon the fantastic work & support provided by Children’s Hospice South West. This is our opportunity to fight back against the virus and show that we, the motorcycling community, are still able to fundraise for a great cause, whilst remaining socially responsible and acting within the law. Together, I am confident we can still make this year’s event a great, festive success.”
Sherelle Puertas, Community Fundraiser for CHSW said “We are absolutely delighted to hear that the biking community are so passionate about continuing the Santas on a Bike tradition and we just hope that people still get out and enjoy themselves safely, while raising vital funds and awareness for CHSW.”
To find out more information about Santas on a Bike and how you can get involved simply visit www.santasonabike.org.uk
