Springhill Hospice ‘Father Christmas Fun Run’

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Photo: Laura Wild

Springhill Hospice Father Christmas Fun Run 2009

Springhill Hospice will be holding its fifth ‘Father Christmas Fun Run’ around Hollingworth Lake in December, sponsored again by Subway, Rochdale.

The event is the brainchild of hospice supporter Pearl Benbow, who took part in a similar event in Liverpool in 2005 and coordinated last years first Father Christmas Fun Run for Springhill.

Ms Benbow said: “My son, Paul, and I were just two of some 4,000 people who did the Liverpool Santa Run. Besides being good fun it was a great spectacle and I thought that we should now build on the success of the event by maintaining the fun and festive element.

“Because it is a Fun Run, it’s open to anybody – if you’re not a runner you can walk the route, push a pram or even walk the dog – as long as you’re dressed as Santa! Last year’s event saw around 140 people – and one or two four-legged friends! – dressed as Santa all running, jogging or walking around the 5km course and between them they raised a magnificent total of £3,800 for the hospice.”

The event commences at 11:00am from Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre on Sunday 12 December and goes around the perimeter path of the Lake.

Dean Connaughton, Fundraiser for Springhill Hospice, said: “This year we are hoping to not only see again all of those Santas who joined us last year, but lots of new ones too!

“I should point out that if anybody who did participate last year wishes to do so again – and they have still got the Santa outfit they used – then we are reducing their entry fee to just £5.00 this year, on the condition of course that they wear their Santa suit.

“Anybody else who wishes to join us can register on the day for £10 and we will provide them with a Santa suit”

There is a prize for the top fundraiser supplied by Roti Asian Restaurant, Drake Street. Link4Life are supplying free membership for the first man and woman to complete the 5km route.

Anybody wishing to take part in the event should contact Dean Connaughton at Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office on 01706 649920 to confirm their place.

Places are strictly limited and already going fast, so book your participation as soon as possible.