News

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company supports Christmas charity ride

29/11/2018

Hundreds of bearded Father Christmas’s will take to the island’s roads next week in the Isle of Man’s very first ‘Santa’s on a Bike’.

 

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is pleased to support the festive charity bike ride, which is taking place on Saturday 8th December at 10am in association with Rebecca House. Bikers are invited to dress up as Santa, give their bike a festive makeover and meet at the Grandstand, Douglas, before setting off on a parade along Douglas Prom, through to Castletown and back to the Grandstand to finish.

 

Spectators are encouraged and there will be festive fun, entertainment, food and drink for all the family to enjoy from 1pm at the finish line, where it’s hoped lots of money will be raised for Rebecca House.

 

Santa’s on a Bike originates from the UK and is now in its fourteenth year in Bristol, with this year’s taking place this weekend (1st December). Oli Allen, who moved to the island this year, is the event organiser of both the Isle of Man and Bristol ride and will lead the way on the roads, alongside police officers. The Steam Packet Company is pleased to support him in his efforts to raise money for two children’s hospices.

 

Oli said: ‘The Steam Packet Company's support will allow me to travel off-island to run the Bristol Santa’s on a Bike and then return in time for the Isle of Man event the following weekend. As 100% of donations go to our chosen charities, Children's Hospice South West in Bristol and Rebecca House in the Isle of Man, running the events can come at significant cost as we don't take a penny in expenses.

 

‘The support from the Steam Packet Company will help to reduce costs significantly and it’s also a huge boost to have such an established name on the island support it in its first year. The ride is always an amazing spectacle and a great cause to raise money for – we hope to see lots of Manx red santa’s hit the road!

 

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward said: ‘It sounds like a great family day out and quite a sight to see. We wish Oli the best of luck for both events and hope lots of money is raised for two very worthwhile charities.’

 

Santa’s on a Bike Isle of Man is brought you by plan.com and supported by the Steam Packet Company. To find out more and sign up, visit: https://www.santasonabike.im/.

 

Oli Allen, Santa's on a Bike Event Organiser, dressed as Santa (photo credit - Plan.com)