Edinburgh Cheer: Biking santas help raise charity funds

SANTAS of all shapes and sizes could be spotted in the Capital after the man in red swapped his sleigh for a Harley Davidson as part of a festive fundraising effort.
Biker Santas. Picture: ContributedBiker Santas. Picture: Contributed
Biker Santas. Picture: Contributed

Organised by Edinburgh Harley Davidson, the annual Santa Run saw dozens of motorcyclists deck their bikes with tinsel as they went for a spin through the Capital on a 35-mile route.

The eye-catching effort – which took place on Saturday – was aimed at raising as much money as possible for Cash for Kids and the Queensferry RNLI.

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Setting off from the Harley Davidson dealership on West Mains Road, the group journeyed through Morningside into Bruntsfield and on to Tollcross.

It was then on to Queen Street and Circus Place, followed by a trip along Orchard Brae and Ravelston Dykes.

The kind-hearted bikers then headed back to the dealership to warm up with a mince pie or two.

It is hoped some of the money raised will be able to go towards buying a new trike for eight-year-old Arran McManus, who has UVA and UVB allergies and was recently diagnosed with lupus and arthritis.

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Kirk Hale said the event had been another big success and was delighted with the response from the public as the bikers made their journey.

He added: “It went really well and we saw over 100 people pop in throughout the event adding money to our rolling fundraising for Cash For Kids in exchange for food cooked up by Michelle.

“The bikes pulling out are always quite a spectacle and it was a great effort by everyone.”

But the bikers weren’t the only ones heading out on two wheels to help others after a kind-hearted youngster from Duddingston took on a 36-mile in a bid to raise £3000.

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Nine-year-old Cody McManus – who pedalled all the way from the Falkirk Wheel to Holyrood Boxing Gym – will use the cash to buy bikes for disadvantaged children this Christmas.

The youngster, winner of this year’s Evening News Child of Achievement award, came up with the idea after being told at school Bikeability sessions that not everyone else had their own.

On his fundraising page, he explained: “I hope to raise as much money as I can to purchase shiny new bikes for local children in time for Xmas.

“From two-year-old balance bikes to larger bikes allowing teenagers to perhaps cycle to school or be able to socialise outdoors with their friends.

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“Through contact with social workers and schools the bikes will then be distributed to local children in time for Xmas! Hopefully like last year making lots of children smile on xmas morning.”

Cody, who completed the bike ride yesterday with his dad Neil, is also looking for donations of bikes, helmets and locks.

His Christmas effort last year involved Cody competing in eight non-contact boxing rounds against other children to raise money for a whole lot of new toys.

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