Santas get ready to rock it like Rudolph for children's hospices

Children’s Hospice South West’s (CHSW) annual Santas on the Run event is back but not as you know it! Taking place over the weekend of the 11-13 December, supporters will be able to choose their distance, route and their festive dress.

The annual festive fundraiser usually takes place at RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon, on Bristol Harbourside and at Cornwall's Eden Project but the local children’s charity has taken the decision to hold it virtually this Christmas due to the pandemic.

Kiley Pearce, CHSW Events Fundraiser, said: “This year, Santas on the Run is going freestyle! Although we can’t all come together in the usual way, together we can still spread some joy and laughter and we’d encourage everyone to go crackers with their festive fundraising!

Whether you twinkle in tinsel or rock it like Rudolph, you can get creative with your costume and complete a distance of your choice, your way.

Over the years the Santas on the Run events have seen thousands of people join together raising vital funds for CHSW and its three hopices – Little Bridge House in North Devon, Little Harbour in Cornwall and Charlton Farm in Bristol.

Together with community partner Whirlwind Sports, CHSW is asking this year’s participants to raise sponsorship or make a donation to enable the charity to continue to provide care for children and families when they need it most, whether that be in the hospice, at home, or virtually.

Kiley continued: “Over the weekend of 11-13 December we will have a warm-up for people to join online each day as well as lots of prizes including for the best-dressed family, child and dog! Individuals who raise £15 or more will also receive a medal. It’s undoubtedly been a challenging year and we would encourage people to get involved however they like this Christmas but most importantly help us raise money to continue supporting local children living with life-limiting conditions and their families.”