Biking Santas make a sight for sore eyes!

There was a sight to see around Exeter on Sunday for those doing some Christmas shopping as over a hundred motorbikers dressed as Santas, elves, reindeer and even a festive banana went through the city in convoy, taking part in a festive ride with a difference.

The riders were on their way from their meeting place at Exeter Services to deliver piles of Christmas toys they were donating to youngsters with life-limiting illnesses at the Little Bridge Children’s Hospice South West in North Devon.

They were accompanied by a truck being driven by one of Santa’s elves and Mrs Christmas. The sleigh/truck was carrying the many presents that had been bought with the money paid and donated by the bikers taking part.

The motorbikers came from all over Devon to the start of the ride in Exeter, with some even travelling from Cornwall and a couple all the way from Weymouth. There were all types of motorbikes, from small learner bikes to old classics, sports bikes, huge cruisers and trikes. Once at the hospice the staff put all the presents under the tree and gave the Santas a special tour of their lovely sensory garden.

The ride was organised by the Exeter-based Motorcycle Rides Facebook page, which is not affiliated to or part of any group, patch or other motorbike club or organisation. Everyone is welcome to join no matter what type of motorbike or rider they are.

Carla O'Reilly, chief organiser of the Facebook page and the ride, said: "A big thanks to everyone who joined in, donated and got into the festive spirit. It really seemed to grab people’s imaginations and it goes to show the South West Children's Hospice is a very worthwhile cause. When I started organising the ride I was hoping for about 30 riders taking part, I would never have dreamed that in the end it would be over three times that! Everyone enjoyed themselves and everyone I spoke to said what a great bunch of people we had".

Sally Norden of the Little Bridge Hospice said: “There were so many Santas riding on motorbikes, bringing Christmas gifts for the families. There was even a Christmas banana and a little reindeer and an elf or two.

"It warms my heart each and every time I see the generosity of these people. Thank you so much to everyone.”