Hundreds of Santas and elves will be heading to Chelmsford on Sunday 7 December for Farleigh Hospice’s annual Santa Fun Run.
The city’s Central Park will be transformed into a sea of red and green as they walk, jog, run or propel themselves along the 5km course.
This jolly, family-friendly event is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, so everyone can take part. There is also a prize for the best-dressed dog.
This year, adults will receive an exclusive new Santa running top and children will get a free elf hat to add extra magic to the day. Check-in is from 9.30am, with a lively warm-up at 10.30am before the fun run starts at 10.45am.
Santas are encouraged to collect sponsorship to raise much-needed funds for Farleigh Hospice. The charity provides compassionate care to adults with life-limiting illnesses and their families across mid Essex. Farleigh also offers information and support to bereaved children and adults and makes no charge for any of its services.
Among the first to sign up and try on the new Santa tops were Paul Cox and his friends. Paul is also taking part in the 2026 London Marathon. The group hopes to raise a total of £5,000 for Farleigh in memory of his dad, Eric, who was cared for by the hospice.
Eric was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 85. During the last month of his life, Farleigh provided personal care for him at home to make him comfortable. This gave Paul and his siblings more precious family time together with their dad.
When Eric’s health declined, Farleigh’s rapid access service quickly found him a place at a nursing home close to Paul and his siblings. Eric spent his last days there, pain-free and receiving 24-hour care.
Paul said, “Farleigh Hospice’s care made the last month of Dad’s life much nicer. It’s a local charity that doesn’t charge for any of its services, which is phenomenal, so I’m fundraising for Farleigh to give something back. I can’t put into words the feeling of relief that Dad was getting excellent care when he needed it and I just want to say thank you.”
To join Paul and the other Santas and elves on the Santa Fun Run, sign up now at www.farleighhospice.org/santa .
For more information on Farleigh Hospice’s care and support, go to www.farleighhospice.org/advice-support .