Biking Santas make a sight for sore eyes!

There was a sight to see in Devon on Sunday for those doing some Christmas shopping as nearly a hundred motorbiking Santas, elves and even a present went through the city in convoy, taking part in a festive ride with a difference!

This was the second annual charity Santa Motorbike Ride. 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 South West Children’s

Hospice in North Devon. They were accompanied by a van 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. There were all types of motorbikes, from small learner bikes to old classics, sports bikes, huge cruisers and trikes. Once at the hospice the children that had taken part in the ride put all the presents under the tree. Staff and families at the hospice gave the Santas a warm welcome, a cup of tea and a special tour of their lovely sensory garden, where they tried to fit as many Santas as possible into their shed.

The ride was organised by the Exeter-based Motorcycle Rides (EBMR) 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 massive thanks to everyone who joined in, donated and got into the festive spirit. The South West Children's Hospice is an amazing cause and the staff and families there always make us feel really welcome. I really enjoy organising this event, as it is such a worthwhile place. It was lovely to see all the smiles, cheers and waves from the hundreds of people we saw on the way to and from the hospice as well as we went through Exeter and the villages and towns on the way."   

Sally Norden, Senior Sibling Worker at the Little Bridge Hospice said: “Little Bridge House would like to say a very big grateful thankyou to the motorbikers who visited us today bearing gifts for the children. It truly is an amazing sight when 100 bikers rock up all in Santa costumes with the odd elf thrown in. There is always a sense of excitement as the children and families await their arrival. To look and see the front of the Hospice just a mass of festive cheer. A little something that seems to be catching on is 'how many Santas can fit in the shed?'. This year there were 50, 17 more than last year, perhaps they will go for the world record? Such good sports. Thankyou Carla for arranging this again. Lots of love to each and every one of them.”