Hundreds of Santas join mass motorbike ride - all in aid of local children's hospice
Hundreds of motorcyclists rode their bikes dressed as Father Christmas yesterday to raise money for Children's Hospice South West in the annual 'Santas on a bike' initiative
Last updated 4th Dec 2022
If you were driving between Devon and Cornwall on the A38 yesterday, you weren't seeing double - there really were hundreds of people dressed as Santa riding their motorbikes.
It was all in aid of a local children's hospice, raising money for those who care for young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
With the big day arriving yesterday, the overcast conditions were perfect for riders - and those who just wanted to spectate.
The riders started out at Lee Mill Industrial Estate in Devon at 12.15pm, before riding to Ivybridge.
Throughout the ride, organisers were encouraging everyone to 'wave, toot and roar' - and of course, get digging deep for charity.
They then made their way to Saltash, Liskeard and then straight onto Little Harbour in St Austell at about 3 o'clock.
Bikers were offered free food and drink at the end of the ride, too, with organisers saying a huge 'thank you' for everyone who took part.
With the money collected - organisers are hoping to smash last year's total, and now we all await the final count.
On Facebook, they said: "Whatever the result, I could not have asked for greater support. Again, you were all brilliant!"
There are more Santa bike rides happening across the South West - including in North Devon, which is happening next Saturday (December 10).
Kevin Moorey led yesterday's Santa Ride, and has taken part in the ride since 2013. He said: "Yesterday, I was privileged to lead the Santas on a bike ride - this is such an important event for me, as it is the only Children's Hospice in Cornwall, run by a kind and dedicated team, with a real enthusiasm for helping Children and families at their time of greatest need.
"With the current pressures on families, and on a cold winter's day, we never know how many motorcyclists will turn out to support us, or how many local residents will come out to wave us through and to donate to the hospice.
"It was both touching and heartwarming to see over 240 motorcyclists arrive, dressed in Santa suits, with decorated motorbikes, of all sizes, eagerly looking forward to the ride and happily contributing to the collections."
With many people travelling from Cornwall to join the ride, Kevin added: "There was a really happy atmosphere. Several of these bikers told me they had family members who had been comforted and helped by the Hospice, it was clearly dear to their hearts.
"The Towns of Ivybridge, Saltash and Liskeard were all packed with residents, all wrapped up for winter, waving and cheering us through. I love seeing the children when they see the Santas, giving a 'Ho! Ho! Ho!' and wishing them a Happy Christmas. With the older children we rev our bikes!
"As we rode along the A38 and the A390, supporters were in lay-bys, on bridges, and in the villages waving us through, and on the road to the hospice at Porthpean, local residents had lined the road to see us arrive - it was a truly heart-warming moment.
"At Little harbour Hospice, we were greeted by welcoming staff with coffee and tea. Lovely Pasties and Sausage rolls were supplied by Ginsters of Callington. These were all very welcome to the Bikers!
"The ride was a thoroughly enjoyable, well supported event.
"Early indications are that we have raised over ÂŁ3000, just from the collections at Lee Mill, Ivybridge and Liskeard alone, with the collection at Saltash, sales of Santa suits, personal collections and the just Giving page, still to be counted!"
You can still donate to this year's Santas on a Bike to Little Harbour campaign here.
You can find out more about the initiative on their Facebook page here.
You can find out more about Children's Hospice South West here.