Spectacular Santa Paddle is set to raise funds for Alder Hey in festive first

A spectacular Santa Paddle is set to raise funds for Alder Hey who are launching the festive first this year.

Dozens of fairy-lit kayaks will be steered for two and a half kilometres along the city’s famous waterfront at the end of this month in what it’s hoped will become an annual Christmas event for the hospital.

The paddle will take in all the iconic sites including the M&S Bank Arena and the Three Graces as it travels from the Liverpool Watersports Centre, through Queens Dock, and on to the Royal Albert Dock with up to 80 ‘paddlers’ taking part.

Dan Smith, marketing officer for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, says:

“We believe this will really capture some community spirit during the festive season.

“The sight of so many festively lit kayaks, shining as they go down our beautiful waterfront, is something we think the city is going to love.

“We want to give the people of Liverpool something to get behind and enjoy this Christmas – especially after our Proud to Make Liverpool Proud Campaign shows that Alder Hey remains at the heart of the city.”

The Santa Paddle will provide a sparkling alternative to the popular Christmas Tractor Convoy which so many people watched but which has been cancelled indefinitely, and continue to give the local community the chance to support Alder Hey while enjoying a wonderful visual spectacle.

“The idea for the Santa Paddle came from one of our wonderful community fundraisers, Lily, who lived in Denmark for a year and was inspired by the Danish Boat Parade which takes place annually in Copenhagen. 

“Lily pitched the idea to the rest of the community fundraising team and, in typical Alder Hey fashion, we ran with it,” adds Dan. “After having years of typical Christmas events, carol concerts, etc., which are great, this has really been a chance to think outside the box and capture some Christmas spirit in a new way.

“We are hoping for a sell out event.”

Dan adds:

“We will have a brass band performing en route, and there’ll be carol singers and choirs – Make Noise Choir will be performing on one of the boats! – and there’ll be lots of fun for all the family.”

Money raised by the Santa Paddle taking place on Saturday, November 29 will go towards supporting Alder Hey Children’s Charity’s ‘Magic’ area of funding which includes supporting magical experiences for children in hospital, like Alder Hey’s Arts for Health programme which gives children one-to-one sessions with professional musicians, artists and entertainers to name just a few. “It’s particularly beneficial for children and young people staying in hospital over the Christmas period,” says Dan.

You can support the event by texting SANTAPADDLE to 70580 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.

Find out more on the Alder Hey website.

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