A charity turned a fun raiser into a fund raiser after inviting a Fenland town to put forward its best ‘Santas’ to boost its coffers.
Over a 2km course they pounded their way down the High Street of March and into West Park, some walking, some running, some jogging and some providing a combination of all three to succeed.
The event, in aid of East Anglia Children’s Hospice (EACH) was in its second year and although numbers were down on last year, organisers hope with sponsorships to have raised up to £2,000.
The race, started by the mayor Councillor Andrew Pugh, had been preceded by 10 minutes of warm up exercises which tested the levels, or otherwise, of competing Santas.
Then it was out of the entrance of the Oliver Cromwell Hotel – which had previously hosted a race night just two days before and raised £1,000 for two other charities- and onto the streets of March.
The mayor himself also took, but fully robed took the course, like many others, at a gentle pace.
“I even got stopped once by a resident who had a problem with a tree and told me all about,” he said. “I had to explain I was taking part in a fun run and would get back to her.”
Beccy Turner, of EACH, said the route was slightly longer than last year and was chosen “for its suitability for wheelchairs and even those wishing to run with a dog”.
All of those taken part had made a £10 donation to EACH who provided them with Santa outfits and a finisher’s medal.
“It’s been a great success and the people of March have been wonderful,” said Ms Turner.
“It costs £5,300 to deliver our services across Cambridgeshire every day of the year, which is why fundraising events like the March Santa Run are so vital to the continuing work of EACH.
She said EACH supported families and care for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.
“Our care and support is tailored for the needs of all family members and delivered where the families wish – in their own home, at hospital, in the community or at one of three hospices in Ipswich, Milton and Quidenham,” she said.
“We deliver a wide range of services through short-break care, emotional & psychological support, symptom management, and care at end of life, bereavement support and many activities and therapies.
“We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of our income and need to raise almost £6 million to deliver our services this year – £16,000 a day, every day of the year.”
The Duchess of Cambridge is now patron of EACH.
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