A care home in Tilehurst has been ‘cycling’ from Reading to Santa’s Village to raise money and awareness of Alzheimer’s Society.

River View Care Home on Rodway Road set the target of cycling 151 hours by Friday, 3 December, a challenge they more than rose to.

This was all in order to deliver letters for Santa from residents, staff and visitors before the big day.

The exercise bike was in the main reception for all to see, and it was 95-year-old Peter who crossed the line on Alzheimer’s ‘Elf Day’ to complete the ride.

Business Development Manager at River View, Debi Hayes, said it created such a buzz at the home.

Reading Chronicle:

Above: Staff and residents 'Cycling to Lapland'

Speaking live on BBC Radio Berkshire, she enthused: “At the River View we thought it would be lovely to offer everyone who lives with us, works with us and even visit us the opportunity to send Christmas wishes to Santa before Christmas.

“As we know Santa is a busy man in December, we thought we would cycle to Santa’s village to save some time and clock it up by the 3, December (Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day).

“We still can’t bring big groups of people to celebrate in the home we thought we would do something in the community.

“We thought we would cycle to raise money and awareness for the society and just get everyone involved.

“We’ve had so much fun doing it and there’s been such a buzz around the home which is really good.”

Following the culmination of the event, the home was visited by eight-foot bear Theo, from ‘the Knights Foundation’, a charity who provide support and gifts to disabled children, deprived children, seriously ill children and their families.

Theo bought cheeky grins, tears of laughter and warm hearts to the residents of River View, rounding off a very joyous two-week period.

The post-box is now sat in reception for all to see, adding to the already magical Christmas decorations.