A PROCESSION of cycling Santas swept around Newport over the weekend as a charity event returned for its fourth year.

On Sunday, the ‘Santa Ride’ attracted 140 entrants and raised an estimated £2,000 for St David’s Hospice in collaboration with Newport Social Cycling (NSC).

Setting off from Newport International Sports Village, the riders took on a 20-mile circular route in the biting cold stopping by Friars Walk, Caerleon and hospice’s headquarters.

The Santas also visited Tredegar House to serve as ‘guard of honour’ for the Junior Park Run by lining the route and belting out a rendition of ‘We Wish You a Merry Christmas’.

Rob Shipley, of Malpas-based business, Roberto’s Bicycle Repairs, has helped with several fundraising events for the hospice from the Tour De Gwent to the Dalmatian Bike Ride.

During the charity cycle, the 28-year-old was on standby to help any cyclists with repairs on route.

“The facility at St David’s Hospice is brilliant and they put on some really great events throughout the year getting the whole community involved,” he said.

Santa Ride cyclist, Sally Wakely, added: “The number of people here today is phenomenal and I think the care that St David's offers when you need it most is just unbelievable.

“I’m a supporter of St David’s and I always will be”.

Community and business fundraiser for St David’s Hospice, Tania Ansell, also gave thanks to John Wheat, of NSC, the volunteers and the cyclists for making the event such a success.

“The funds raised today will help patients locally who are facing Christmas with a life-limiting illness,” she said.

“It ensures that our nurses can continue to care for those either at home or within their inpatient unit."

Volunteer leader at NSC, John Wheat, also gave a message to volunteers and supporters of the charity event.

“I want to give a massive thankyou to everyone for coming out in this cold damp weather to support a great cause and for bringing some festive cheer to Newport,” he said.

St David’s is the UK’s largest provider of hospice at home care, caring for more than 3,200 patients and families every year.

This year, it launched a £5million inpatient unit at its Blackett Avenue base.

Visit: stdavidshospicecare.org for more.