A lchildren’s charity near Lymm is calling on would-be Santas to join them for a challenge with a twist on Sunday, December 11.

For the eighth year running, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust in partnership with Altrincham Football Club and local cycling club Timperley Boneshakers are organising a Santa Dash Bike Ride and Santa Walk to support children from the north west.

The event will see cyclists of all abilities tackling either a 12.75 mile family friendly route, or one of two more challenging 32 mile and 62 mile circular routes. All will start and finish at Altrincham FC’s J. Davidson Stadium.

All cycling routes will include a welcome pit stop at the charity’s Millington base where volunteers will treat the cyclists to a warming glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate and a mince pie.

Whilst at the Adventure Farm, they’ll each then don their free Santa suit which they’ll then wear for the last leg of their challenge through Dunham Massey. ‘Walking Santas’ will don their suits at the registration point at the football club before heading out on either 5 mile or 9.5 mile route which will include Dunham Massey Country Park, Dunham Woods, Denzell Gardens and Devisdale. Upon their victorious return to the Stadium, cycling and walking Santas will be welcomed by the “REAL” man in red who will award them with a finisher medal before a hearty lunch (hot pot with all the trimmings & hot dogs). There will also many other fun activities on offer for participants, their family friends and the whole community who are invited to enjoy the festivities from 1pm.

Previous events have seen hundreds cycling Santas taking part with a fantastic £45,200 raised for the charity in total. But this year CAFT is hoping to recruit even more cycling and walking Santas to raise additional funds for children from the region. 

Jure Modic, Sports & Challenges Fundraiser from CAFT comments: “We are so pleased to announce that the Santa Dash Bike Ride and Walk will be taking place for the eighth year running, it has quickly become a firm favourite in our festive calendar and joins an ever growing list of sponsored challenges raising funds for our charity each year."

Each Santa will be asked to make a minimum £17.50 donation to the charity, but further sponsorship would be very welcome. For more information about how to register call Jure on 01565 830 053 or email jure@caft.co.uk.

You can find out more about CAFT’s challenge events by visiting their website caft.co.uk or you can join their Challenge Community by liking their dedicated challenge Facebook page facebook.com/Children’s-Adventure-Farm-Trust-Challenge-Events or you could call Jure at the office on 01565 830 053.