Cycling Santas raise more than £700 for Rochdale homelessness charity

Wednesday, 24 December 2025 11:06

By David Murphy

Eight cyclists dressed as Santas have raised more than £700 for Petrus after completing a 19 mile fundraising ride around Rochdale.

The ride took place on Friday 19 December and saw the group cycle through the borough to raise money for people facing homelessness during the winter months. Donations are still being accepted and the total is expected to rise further.

Petrus supports people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Rochdale Oldham and Burnley. The charity says it has already delivered close to 2,500 food interventions this winter alone including hot meals food bank vouchers and emergency food parcels. It has done so without any dedicated funding for food provision.

Among those taking part in the Santa Cycle were Petrus managing director Sonia Denham who recently marked 20 years with the charity and long serving support worker Edmund Clout who has also dedicated two decades to the organisation. They were joined by other support workers and service managers who swapped their usual roles for Santa suits and bicycles.

During the route the group stopped at several Petrus supported housing projects where they met service users and offered encouragement and festive cheer.

Petrus said every donation helps ensure people are not left without support during the coldest months of the year. While the cycle ride has finished the fundraising page remains open for anyone who wishes to contribute.