Fantastic turnout for Springhill Hospice Father Christmas Fun Run

Springy the Hospice Frog, Mayor Peter Rush, Mayoress Monica Rush and organiser Pearl Benbow at Springhill Hospice Father Christmas Fun Run

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Organisers of the Springhill Hospice Father Christmas Fun Run described the turnout as "fantastic" this year with over 150 people turning up to take part this morning (Sunday 8 December).

The run, in its eighth year, saw hundreds of runners dress up as Father Christmas in aid of raising money for Springhill Hospice. Over the past seven years the event has raised nearly £33,000 for the hospice.

Springhill Hospice Community Fundraiser, Lillie Winterbottom said: “It is really fantastic this year. We have had so many people turn up that we have had to send for more Santa suits.”

Organiser of the event, Pearl Benbow added: “We prepared for 150 people but we have definitely got more than that and it is brilliant.”

Mayor Peter Rush set runners off on their run. He said: “This is an absolutely brilliant charity event.

"It is great to see so many people in attendance in its eighth year. It is nice to see everyone here from the
young to the old and it is great to see everyone in such a good mood.

"It really is lovely to be here at this charity event.”

Runners in the event took part for different reasons. Margaret Smith is a volunteer at the hospice. She said: “I thought I would get involved.” Margaret’s daughter Tracy added: “It should be a bit of fun.”

Rosamund Hayes said: “It is for a good cause and we wanted to help support that cause.”

Craig Kershaw, who took part with this family, said: “The hospice is important to everyone so that is why we wanted to get involved.”

Michael Devine takes part in the event every year and this year got involved with his grandson, Mick. Michael said: “We do it to support the hospice and I fund raise for the lottery so we wanted to raise some money.”

Mick added: “I am doing it raise money for the charity.”

Emelia Godley took part in the run with her brother Maximus in memory of their Grandma. She said: “We do a charity run every year and wanted to do this one in memory of Grandma who was in the hospice.”

The run was held at Hollingworth Lake and saw Santas of all ages take part in a 5k run.