Springhill Santas return to dash around Queen's Park

Photo: Ken Rowlatt

The dash saw Santas of all ages taking on either a 2km or a 4km route through the park.

The Springhill Hospice Santa Dash returned this weekend (Sunday 12 December) with 200 Santas taking part.

The well-known annual event took place in its new location of Queen's Park in Heywood and saw Santas of all ages, along with some four-legged ones, taking on either a 2km or a 4km route through the park.

The new location also featured highlights such as Candy Cane Corner and a selfie station where Santas could get a festive, fun picture.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Aasim Rashid, came along to open the event and also presented the Santas with their medals at the end of their dash around the park, whilst Wardle Brass Band kept everyone entertained with some festive tunes.

Sophie Ansley, Fundraising Manager for Springhill Hospice said: "I am over the moon that our Santa Dash could finally go ahead in person again after two years and at our great new venue, Queens Park!

"I would like to thank our Santas for coming to support our festive fundraiser but a special mention to the local businesses who have sponsored the event, event founder, Pearl Benbow and The Friends of Queens park and Wardle Community Band."

If you would like to support Springhill in their future events or would like to do some fundraising of your own, visit https://springhill.org.uk/fundraising or call the fundraising team on 01706 641790 (opt 1).