Over 290 runners joined in with Dorothy House Hospice Care’s 7th annual Santa & Elf Run, with the fun run taking place in and around the Hospice grounds and countryside of Winsley.
The runners raised valuable funds to support the work of the hospice, which provides specialist palliative and end of life care for people living with a life-limiting illness in Wiltshire, Bath & North-East Somerset and Somerset.
The fun run was a great success for the hospice, with ninety more runners this year than last year.
It’s expected the funds raised will exceed last year’s total of £16,000, bringing in much-needed funding, as for every pound Dorothy House receives from the NHS, they have to raise four pounds.
Many families, friends and supporters arrived to cheer the runners on and mulled wine, hot food and other refreshments were on offer so it was an event for everyone to enjoy.
All adult entrants were asked to raise £40 in sponsorship or make a donation of £40 in lieu of sponsorship to help support Dorothy House Hospice Care.
Emily Knight, Event Fundraiser at Dorothy House Hospice Care said of the Santa and Elf Run: “It was wonderful to see hundreds of Santa’s and Elves pounding along the lanes of Winsley to raise money for their local Hospice.
“We are thrilled that so many people took part and delighted that the funds raised have beaten last year’s total, well done and thank you to everyone who supported the event.”
Paula Clifton from Keynsham said of her reasons for supporting Dorothy House’s Santa & Elf Run; “I ran as part of a group of nineteen runners and my husband, Tony, was an event marshal and we took part in memory of our son, Francis Clifton, who sadly passed away at the age of 22 in 2015.
“It was great to see Francis’ family and friends gathered together to support the fun run to show their appreciation for the wonderful care and dedication he received whilst at Dorothy House.”
Jane Meyers, from Farmborough near Bath and nine of her family and friends took part in the fun run. Jane said; “We had a brilliant day running around Winsley and raising money for Dorothy House who cared for my father, Maurice Atkins from Keynsham, a few years ago.
“We are so grateful to the Hospice and their staff for the excellent care they gave to my Dad but also to Mum and our whole family, we couldn’t have coped with Dad’s care needs at the end of his life without their expert help and support.”
Lucy Beattie, Employability Advisor at Bath College said of the partnership with Dorothy House: “Our International Business Studies students enjoyed getting involved with the event management for Dorothy House’s Santa & Elf Run.
“They helped promote the event by handing out flyers in Bath and on the day helped with marshaling, ran a Selfie Tent and several children’s activities.
“The College is delighted that the students gained practical work experience while supporting a great local charity.”
