Njinga's Santa Charity Cycle 2025
join us
Every December, something magical happens in Richmond.
For the past 12 years, hundreds of cycling Santas have bundled up, hopped on their bikes, and pedalled 15.5 km through the winter streets.
We ride to Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hampton, where we're welcomed by the bravest kids you'll ever meet, children facing life-limiting illnesses who deserve every moment of joy we can bring.
What started as a small group of cycling friends 13 years ago has grown into something none of us could have imagined. It's become a Richmond tradition, a day when our community comes together and shows up for these incredible families.
Over the years, with your incredible support, we've delivered almost 7,000 presents and raised more than £50,000 for this remarkable charity. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
It's the countless smiles. The family memories created. The feeling of love and care when it's needed most.
But we're not done yet.
We're pushing toward £100,000, because every pound means more specialist care, more comfort, more precious time for these families.
We'd love for you to be part of this incredible journey. Join us, ride with us, or simply support us and help bring Christmas joy to children and families who need it most.
❤️ Be a Santa. Be part of the magic.
All set for the Santa Cycle
Times, route and meeting spots at a glance, plus what to bring so you can focus on the fun and the fundraising.
When we ride
- Saturday 6 December 2025
- Arrive 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM roll-out
- Brief safety chat and group photo before we set off
- Expect 60 to 90 minutes of relaxed, social cycling
The ride at a glance
- 15.5 km festive social ride
- Suits riders comfortable at 10 miles an hour or more
- All roadworthy bikes welcome
- Led by Njinga Ride Captains, Motorbike Outriders and volunteers
- Charity ride, not a race
Where to meet us
- Start: The White Cross Pub, Water Ln, Richmond, TW9 1NR
- Finish: The Turks Head Pub, Twickenham, TW1 1LF
- Richmond Station is a short cycle from the start
- Bring lights and a lock if you’re staying for the post-ride social
Helmets and Santa Suits compulsory.
Under-18s must ride with a responsible adult.
A massive thanks to our sponsors:
How do I join?
- Sign up for free to confirm your attendance. If you are between 12-18 yrs, please contact us separately for a children's waiver form (info@njingacycling.com)
- 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!
- Purchase a gift for a child and do NOT wrap it. (A recommended list can be found further down the page).
- Arrive at 8:30 AM on Saturday 6th Dec with your best Christmas cheer. We will be leaving in small groups from 9:00AM.
- Please Note: No helmet, no cycling on the day.
Get your company involved this year
Bring the holiday spirit to life by rallying your company to join our Santa Charity Cycle!
This year we are encouraging more of you to get involved by allowing corporate teams to sign up.
Whether you're looking to boost team morale, embrace the season of giving, or enhance your corporate social responsibility, this fun-filled cycling event offers the perfect opportunity.
Ride together, dressed as Santa, while raising funds for a great cause. It's a fantastic way to bond with colleagues, network with other local businesses, and make a real difference.
Get your team involved today and spread some festive cheer with 100% of corporate entry fees going to the charity.
Plus lots of bonus festivities
- We kick off the celebrations with a round of carols at the hospice, lead by the amazing Epsom & Ewell Silver Band.
- The Turks Head in Twickenham, where we will be finishing this year, will kindly provide free teas and coffees and bacon butties to all Santas.
- There will be a number of fabulously fun, fundraising activities and a raffle with great prizes up for grabs.
- Plus a DJ will keep us entertained through the afternoon, so don't forget your dancing shoes.
What charity will be benefiting
Help support children with life limiting illnesses
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
They are a lifeline to so many families across Surrey and London supporting them from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.
It costs £10.1 million a year to maintain their current level of care and just 20% of that income comes from central government funding, so they rely on supporters like you for your generosity to keep the service running.
What gifts should I get
Shooting Star recommends:
- Comfort & cosy: blankets, hats & scarves, PJs or slippers.
- Creative & play: craft sets, colouring books with pens/pencils, hand-held musical instruments, books.
- Sensory & soothing: lights, massager, small bubble tubes, touch-and-feel sets (slime, sand).
- Self-care & useful: body/fragrance sets, hair accessories, nail varnish, water bottles, backpacks (older girls & boys).
Please don’t wrap gifts; new and road-safe items only. Thank you.
Sign up now
Join us this year on our annual Santa Cycle in aid of Shooting Star Children's Hospice.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up?
Each individual rider taking part needs to please complete the sign up form found at the top of this page.
How do I sign up?
Each individual rider taking part needs to please complete the sign up form found at the top of this page.
Is there a set route I have to ride?
Yes, we will be doing the set 17 km distance between Richmond and Hampton, before returning to Twickenham for some refreshments at the Cabbage Patch 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.
Are children allowed to take part?
Yes, children 12 and over are allowed, as long as they are able to safely ride on the road AND are accompanied by a responsible adult. PLEASE CONTACT US SEPERATELY FOR A CHILDRENS WAIVER FORM: info@njingacycling.com
Where will my fundraising money go?
All money raised will go to Shooting Star Children's Hospice.