Yuletime spirit roars in on two wheels for Chestnut Tree House

Children and families at Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice had a special visit from not one Father Christmas, but 12, from the Moonies Loonies motorcycle club.

The annual Christmas ride saw the bikers, who meet at the Marquis of Granby, in Sompting, ride to the children’s hospice in Angmering to donate £500 and a Christmas food hamper for families and staff.

Organiser Trisha Stubbings said: “It went really well.

“This year about five or six children came out and they loved it.

“They love the sound of the motorbikes. It brings a big smile to their faces.”

After the visit on Saturday, December 17, the bikers rode around Worthing before holding a collection at Morrisons.

Two days later, children at Chestnut Tree House had a surprise visit from Father Christmas, Mary Christmas and reindeers, Star and Blitzen.

The festive duo spent more than an hour giving out presents from their sleigh and having pictures taken with the children before the Edwardian Society Singers led a chorus of Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer.

Linda Perry, director of children’s services at Chestnut Tree House, said: “As part of our Christmas appeal, we asked people of Sussex to send in messages of goodwill and support for the children and families.

“We received hundreds of messages on our cute reindeer decorations, which we have hung up around the house for everyone to enjoy over Christmas. 

“But it wasn’t enough to have cartoon reindeer decorations inside – we wanted real reindeer as well and were delighted to welcome Father Christmas, his wife Mary and the reindeers to Chestnut Tree House.

“The children really enjoyed being able to meet Father Christmas and pet the reindeer.”