Dale mascots lead the warm-up for fundraising Santa dash

Rochdale AFC club mascots Desmond the Dragon and Desmond’s son Dale warm-up the Santas

Rochdale AFC club mascots Desmond the Dragon and Desmond’s son Dale lead the warm up at The Co-operative Santa Dash in Heaton Park on Sunday (27 November).

Hundreds of festive fundraisers dressed as Father Christmas for the event to raise vital funds for the learning disability charity, Mencap and ENABLE Scotland.

Middleton Brass Band played seasonal favourites as they marched the Santas to the start-line.

Fred Houghton, secretary of Middleton Brass Band, said: “This weekend marked the start of our busy Christmas programme.

“We are delighted to have been able to take part in this community event and, warm the crowd’s on a breezy day by playing our festive favourites.”

Runners were set on their way by Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Harry Lyons JP and, proceeded to run, walk and dance around the 5k family-friendly course following the warm up from the Dale mascots - The Co-operative has had a long standing relationship with Rochdale AFC which has been extended this season to see The Co-operative become the principal sponsor of the Club.

Michael Fairclough, The Co-operative Group’s Head of Community and Co-operative Investment, said: “This is the third year that we have held our Santa Dash and I’d like to thank everyone who took part in this spectacular event. Raising money for Mencap and, ENABLE Scotland - The Co-operative’s charity of the year – is helping to make a tremendous and positive impact on young lives. 

"Our year-long partnership with the charity forms part of The Co-operative’s commitment to inspiring young people and, is providing an opportunity to transform the lives for a generation of young people with a learning disability. “