An Easter bunny, on a bike, took to the streets of a Northampton neighbourhood this weekend.
The bunny, also known as Chris Carroll, spent Sunday (April 12) cycling around Little Billing and Great Billing to help brighten up the special day that everyone had to spend in lockdown.
Despite the heat, Chris, who is the manager of Riverside Hub, cycled 18 miles around part of the Eastern District waving to children, older people and even someone who was celebrating their 21st birthday.
The 41-year-old said: “I was sorting out the loft last week because with this lockdown I have a lot of time on my hands.
“I found a bag with the rabbit costume in it. I’ve had it for a couple of years, I had it for a fancy dress party.
“I thought that loads of kids would like to see the Easter Bunny and I love cycling so I thought let’s combine the two as my one daily exercise.”
Chris originally thought he would just cycle to his mum, who lives close by, to wave at her and anyone he passes on the way.
But he then posted on the Billing WhatsApp group what he was planning and was inundated with requests.
Chris added: “I had one person message me to say they had a 21st in their house and would I stand outside their house and sing happy birthday, so I did.
“And someone else asked me to go and say hello to an elderly couple.
“What I thought was going to be 15 or 20 minutes ended up being an 18-mile ride.”
Even with temperatures as high as they were, on his once-a-day exercise Chris responded to requests that meant he was going back and forth.
“I was head to toe in a rabbit costume and it was really hot on Sunday,” Chris continued.
“It was sheer will power as messages kept coming through it became irrelevant how I was thinking or feeling.
“I wanted to bring positivity and happiness when everything is so miserable and down.
“It was incredible for me, I didn’t realise how cool it was until I had done it.
“The more I did the more it fuelled me to do more, knowing I was doing a really thing was enough to keep me going.
“I didn’t realise how hot and tired I was until I finished. I felt ill and pretty rough, but it was well worth it.”
Chris, who says he likes dressing up, is now planning a few more costumes over the coming weeks, which may include a dinosaur and Buzz Lightyear.
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