Chelmsford’s Central Park was full of festive fun on Sunday 7 December as over 500 Santas and elves took part in Farleigh Hospice’s Santa Fun Run.
The family-friendly event attracted participants of all ages. Adults who signed up were each given a Santa running top in an exclusive new design and children received an elf hat. Dogs were encouraged to dress up too with a prize for the best costume.
The fun began with a wintry warm-up, led by the Townsend Twins. Then the marching band from King Edward VI Grammar School played festive music as the crowds gathered at the start line.
The rain showers did not dampen their high spirits as they cheerfully walked, jogged and ran the 5-kilometre course through the park.
Daniel Pollard was the first to finish. He said, “it’s my first Santa Fun Run and it was excellent. Farleigh Hospice is an amazing organisation and this was such a fun event.”
Michael Watt, aged 78, was one of the oldest participants. He said, “Santa Fun Run is good exercise and a nice event that all ages can take part in. I’m here to support Farleigh Hospice as it’s a nice place that cares for people very well.”
Many of the Santas and elves were taking part in memory of relatives and friends who had been cared for by Farleigh Hospice.
The charity provides compassionate care to adults with life-limiting illnesses across mid Essex. Farleigh cares for them in their own homes and at its specialist inpatient unit and supports their families. It also offers bereavement information and support to children and adults to help them cope with the impact of grief.
Alex and Dylan Morton
Oliver Giddins, aged 7, has raised £295 for Farleigh Hospice by asking his family and friends, including his football team and school, to sponsor him.
His proud mum, Katie, said, “Oliver wanted to take part in the Santa Fun Run and fundraise for Farleigh because the charity has helped people that we know.”
Connah Mabbott took part in memory of his grandma who was cared for by Farleigh. He was carrying a 20kg log on his back to represent the 20 people in the UK who die every hour from cancer.
He said, “The work that Farleigh hospice does is amazing. I’m fundraising because the charity provides brilliant care – no words can describe it.”
Farleigh makes no charge for any of its much-needed services. The hospice relies on income from donations, fundraising and events like Santa Fun Run and January’s Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign.
Debbie de Boltz, Farleigh’s Head of Fundraising, said, “Farleigh Hospice is a charity and we cannot help all those people who need our care without the kind support of our local community.
“Thank you to the wonderful Santas and elves who joined us for our Santa Fun Run and to everyone who sponsored them or gave a donation. Thanks also to our sponsors, Davlav. We hope to have raised over £20,000. This fantastic festive fundraising will help us to continue providing our specialist care which means so much to the local people who depend on our services.”
For information on Farleigh Hospice’s other festive activities, including the Light Up A Life Appeal and Christmas Tree Recycling Campaign, please visit www.farleighhospice.org/events .