On Sunday, 4th December, over 200 runners dressed as Santas and Fairies took time to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care by running 5km in the 2016 Santa and Fairy Fun Run in Winsley.
The weather was beautifully sunny and crisp and the runners were warmed up by an exercise session led by Katie Chappell with support from ‘Rodney the Reindeer’ from Castle Place Gym and Fitness Centre in Trowbridge.
All runners raised a minimum of £40 in sponsorship for Dorothy House Hospice Care in their 40th birthday year to support the specialist palliative and end of life care they provide for people living with a life-limiting illness.
Dorothy House believe that Sunday’s fun run will raise over £12,000 to support patients, families and carers across their 700 sq mile area covering Bath and North East Somerset and parts of Wiltshire and Somerset.
New for this year Dorothy House staged a ‘Mannequin Challenge’ carried out by 200 people next to the Hospice’s giant Christmas tree.
The race also featured a flatter and shorter 5km route through the Dorothy House grounds and around Winsley village, which was a popular choice with everyone running.
Snow and fairy dust was sprinkled on the runners as they ran around the course and as they crossed the finish line and all their hard work was rewarded with tasty turkey rolls and a warming hot chocolate after the run.
Dorothy House Hospice Care, Events fundraiser, Emily Knight said: “It was a fantastic day with such a great atmosphere. We are delighted that over double the number of runners joined in the fun run this year than took part in our 2015 Santa Dash.
“I’d like to say a big thank you and well done to everyone who helped or took part and we hope to see you all again next year.”
Kate Bassil from Bath took part in the Santa & Fairy Fun Run with her daughter Sophie Bassil. She said: “What a great day, it was so bright and sunny and the route was easier than we thought.
“We’re definitely keen to do the Dorothy House fun run again next year when my son will be old enough to join us. We ran to raise money for the Hospice and as a ‘thank you’ to the staff for the great care they showed my Mum when she passed away last December.”
Michelle Radford from Trowbridge who ran in the Santa & Fairy Fun Run for the first time said: “I ran in memory of my Mum who died in August as she received such exceptional and dignified care from the Hospice staff.
“It was her great wish to come to Dorothy House at the end of her life and she was so glad to be with her three daughters, her husband, sister and niece in such a peaceful place, surrounded by stunning views.
“The experience totally removed any stigma I had about what hospices are like and made me realise all the great things they do to support families. I still visit the Hospice for peace and quiet sometimes.”
If you would like to support Dorothy House by volunteering or making a donation, visit their website www.dorothyhouse.org.uk or call 01225 721 480.
