Father Christmas has made his way along the River Thames, navigating in a sleigh attached to a small motorboat to raise funds for a charity supporting young cancer patients.

On Saturday evening, the brightly decorated vessel was spotted gliding past notable sites such as Hampton Court and Kingston Bridge in southwest London.

The unique sleigh boat was crafted by couple Sacha Pritchard and Matt King, who have garnered a considerable social media following by sharing their life experiences on an island in the Thames.

“Our way of life may not appeal to everyone; it’s quite unconventional, but while we’re young, it transforms our daily existence into an exciting adventure,” Ms. Pritchard remarked to the BBC prior to Santa’s voyage.

“I’ve received messages from parents expressing their children’s enthusiasm for seeing Santa and the sleigh boat.”

Mr. King, 29, took on the role of Santa for the evening.

The couple made stops along the river to distribute gifts and collect donations for Teenage Cancer Trust, a cause they hold dear.

“Almost everyone knows someone impacted by cancer,” mentioned Ms. Pritchard, 26. “Supporting such an important charity is truly significant to us.”

Constructing the sleigh proved to be a challenging task, as it had to meet safety standards, be easily removable, and be fit for the winter conditions of the river.

“I now see why this hasn’t been attempted before,” she continued.

“It needed to be light enough to navigate the winter currents, removable, precisely sized for our boat, stable at high speeds, safe to use, legal, and still powerful enough for the lights.”

“It’s been quite the endeavor, but a really enjoyable one.”

Their festive river journey resulted in over £1,000 raised for the charity.

Living on one of London’s smaller residential islands requires them to use a motorboat for year-round travel, as there’s no bridge to the mainland.

“Residing on the Thames instills a strong sense of the importance of being well-prepared,” Ms. Pritchard stated.

“We always ensure we have radios, life jackets, first aid kits, extra clothing, and all the essentials needed for our adventures.”

Simple tasks that many take for granted, like taking out the trash or bringing home groceries, demand thoughtful planning, especially when faced with inclement weather.

The couple has built a combined follower count of over 100,000 across their social media channels, joining a growing community that highlights alternative lifestyles.