HELP US SAVE XMAS F0R SHOOTING STAR CHILDREN'S HOSPICE
Join us on our 9th annual Santa Cycle
DON'T MISS OUR ANNUAL SANTA CHARITY CYCLE
For the last 9 years, along with 100s of other cycling Santas, we've cycled our 17 km route from Richmond, SW London to deliver gifts to the incredible children at Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hampton who are suffering with life limiting illnesses. It’s grown from humble beginnings 9 years ago to an annual must do activity on the Richmond Festive season calendar. Last year, despite covid restrictions, we were able to run a virtual experience and raised £4,693 for this incredible charity.
This year we are back to deliver the gifts to the hospice in person*. We hope you can join us?
* we will not be allowed into the hospice due to Covid restrictions but will be able to drop off the gifts in a specially allocated room outside.
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN
Saturday 11th December 2021
8:30 AM arrival for 9 AM departure
WHAT
The cycle ride is roughly 17 km and is suitable for riders able to do a min of 10 miles an hour.
All bikes allowed as long as they are roadworthy.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
2. Get a Santa suit if you don't have one already. ( no santa suit or other festive dress up, no ride!) There are prizes for the best dressed Santa, so do get creative!
3. Purchase a gift for a child and do NOT wrap it. (A recommended list can be found below).
4. Decorate your bike ready for some festive Santa cycling. The best bike wins a prize!
5. Arrive at 8:30 AM on Saturday 11th Dec at Whole Foods Richmond, with your best Christmas cheer. We will be leaving in small groups from 9AM.
*** NO HELMET ON THE DAY, NO RIDING ***
WHAT GIFTS SHOULD I GET?
Shooting Star recommends the following
PLEASE REMEMBER DO NOT WRAP THE GIFTS
• Sensory: lights, massager, small bubble tubes, sets of touch and feel (slime, sand, etc)
• Body/fragrance gift sets
• Hats & scarfs
• Blankets
• Water bottles
• PJs
• Slippers
• Books
•Musical instruments (hand held)
• Craft sets
• Colouring books & pens/pencils
• Nail varnish
• Hair accessories
• Backpacks (older girls & boys)
WHAT CHARITY WILL BE BENEFITING?
HELP SUPPORT CHILDREN WITH LIFE LIMITING ILLNESSES
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a lifeline to so many families and this has never been more apparent than during the current pandemic. COVID-19 has had a devastating effect on the delivery of their vital services and a huge impact on their fundraising income.
Their vital hospice service for those most vulnerable in the community is needed more than ever. Quite simply, without them, the families they support would have nowhere left to turn. The charity have had to adapt and find new and different ways to deliver care, remain connected with families and give them support when it’s most needed.
With only 10% of their funding from the government, Shooting Star Children’s Hospices relies on supporters’ generosity to continue to provide care and support, which is needed now more than ever.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Whole Foods, who will be providing complimentary teas, coffees, mini croissants and pain au chocolate from 8:15 am PLUS gift vouchers for the best dressed Santa and best decorated bike.
The Turks Head, who will be providing post ride teas and coffees and delicious bacon rolls.
Epsom And Ewell Silver band for providing the amazing music for our carolling.
And finally to StuART for providing a fantastic piece of art work to raffle off on the day.
WHOLE FOODS
Richmond
THE TURK'S HEAD
Twickenham
EPSOM and EWELL
Silver Band
StuART
Local Cycling Artist
PRIZES ON THE DAY FOR BEST DRESSED AND BEST DECORATED BIKE
SIGN UP NOW
and join us for a special day out on the bike this Christmas time.
FAQ's
Check out our list of FAQs below. If you are still not able to find an answer to your question, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Is there a cost to sign up?
No, all we ask is you purchase a gift for the children, and/or make a donation. You will also receive complimentary refreshments at the start courtesy of Whole Foods and at the finish courtesy of The Turks Head.
How do I sign up?
The best way to sign up is online on this website, the form is just above here.
Is there a set route I have to ride?
Yes, we will be doing the set 20 km distance between Richmond and Hampton, before returning to St Margaret's for some refreshments at the Turks Head pub.
Do I have to have a road bike?
No. We accept all riders on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, tandems and Bromptons. Just make sure your bike is 100% roadworthy.
Do I have to dress up?
Yes! No Santa suit(or other festive outfit) and you won't be able to ride unfortunately. Please don't forget your helmet!
Do I have to fundraise?
This event is primarily a fundraising event. Fundraising, in addition to bringing a gift is not compulsory but we do encourage you to help support the lives of children who have had their lives severely impacted as a result of life limiting illnesses. No donation is too small.
