Santas raise festive funds for Farleigh
Friday 9th December
- Fundraising & Events
- Stories
On Sunday 4th December, Chelmsford’s Central Park was swarming with Santas limbering up for Farleigh Hospice’s annual Santa Fun Run.
Organisers at Farleigh were delighted that the rain stayed away and 400 supporters of all ages signed up to take part.
The fun run was started by BBC Essex radio presenter, Dave Monk, who cheered on the Santas as they walked, jogged, ran or propelled themselves around the family-friendly 5K course.
The Santa Fun Run is an important fundraiser for Farleigh Hospice. The charity provides award-winning care, free of charge, to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement at its hospice building in Chelmsford and in patients’ homes across mid Essex.
One person keen to show his support for Farleigh was Owen Edwards who was there with a group of over 20 of his family and friends (pictured above). He explained, “I am being cared for by Farleigh Hospice and they are amazing…outstanding. The care team are always there to listen and offer support, and I trust them because they always over-deliver. If I need urgent medication, I know they’ll sort it out for me. Farleigh is my saviour.”
First to finish the 5K was Oscar Farley from the Billericay Striders running club who said, “I really like this event because it has a friendly atmosphere. It’s my second Santa Fun Run and I’d do it again. I would recommend it to other runners and anyone wanting a fun day out.”
Linda and Poppy McNeill also took part and enjoyed the cookies handed out at the finishing line. Poppy, aged 9, has been making and selling key rings to raise money for Farleigh after the charity looked after her grandad, Alec. She said, “It was my second Santa Fun Run and it was lots of fun but quite tiring. Farleigh does a great job and took good care of my grandad.”
Farleigh’s Fundraising Lead, Selina Mayhew, added, “It was amazing to see so many Santas in the park. Thank you to everyone who put on their festive fancy dress and made the Santa Fun Run such a fantastic event, getting us all in the Christmas spirit."
“Farleigh Hospice is a charity and we rely on support from the local community to carry on providing care to our patients and their families. We appreciate that it is a difficult time right now and we are very grateful to everyone who has kindly sponsored our Santas."
More photos from the event can be found on the Farleigh Hospice Facebook page.