Santa helps fire fighters raise thousands for charity

The Yaxley firefighters were joined by Father Christmas for the annual sleigh ride around the village.

The sleigh ride takes place over four nights every year, to raise vital funds for The Fire Fighters Charity, with the team visiting a different part of the village on each night.

This year social distancing measures were in place to keep everyone safe, as Santa waved to families, bringing a little festive joy.

Residents were urged to donate online, but there were buckets for people to donate cash in as well.

Watch Commander for Yaxley Fire Station, Jamie Bovington thanked villagers for their support. He said: “What an incredible week it was sharing the festive spirit throughout Yaxley with a helping hand from Santa. All of us at Yaxley fire station would like to say a massive thank you to the family and friends that helped us throughout the week.

“We would also like to send our highest gratitude and appreciation to the community that helped support the annual Christmas ride. Your generosity has been overwhelming and we managed to raise an incredible £4343 for The Fire Fighters Charity.”

Anyone who’d like to make a donation can do so on the Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graham-duff1

An event organised by the Rotary Club of Peterborough Ortons scheduled to take place on Monday, December 21 that would have seen Santa take a tour of the Ortons was cancelled after Peterborough was moved into tier 4 over the weekend.