A fleet of Father Christmases have been whizzing around County Durham this December to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research.
The family of Adam Forster has worked with the charity since losing him to a brain tumour in May 2014. Adam was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but sadly passed away, aged 42.
The inaugural Santa Bike Run took place in 2014 and has become an annual event, bringing festive cheer to the family’s hometown of Consett, County Durham. Organised by Adam’s father, Terry, a convoy of Santa Clauses motorbike through the streets, decked out with tinsel, Christmas cuddly toys and even a ‘sleigh’ carrying Homer Simpson dressed as Father Christmas.
This year, the Biking Santas Facebook page was inundated with requests for visits from the festive procession. The COVID-secure spectacle saw the Santas riding in smaller groups and visiting different streets and areas every weekend in December in the run-up to Christmas.
Adam’s sister Kerry Robson, who dresses up as an elf to support the riders, said: “We have all been affected by the pandemic and sadly charities have suffered financially too. Our aim was to raise awareness and funds for Brain Tumour Research, whilst cheering everyone up and putting a smile on lots of faces at the end of a difficult year.”
Over the years, the family has raised more than £21,000 for Brain Tumour Research. If you would like to support the Biking Santas, please visit their fundraising page.
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