CHESTER-BASED M&S Money is the main sponsor of the Santa Dash being held on Sunday, December 11, at 9.30 am.
The event has been organised by, and raising funds for, the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Both charities are delighted with the response which has already seen 1,200 Santas signed up.
“We are extremely grateful to M&S Money for their financial support which has covered the majority of our setting up costs, including those incurred with closing some city centre roads for two hours” said Janet Ratcliffe, Countess fundraising manager.
The 4km route sets off from Castle Drive, goes up Lower Bridge Street, Bridge Street, Eastgate Street, down St John’s Street and through Grosvenor Park before returning to Castle Drive via The Groves.
Ian Pulston Davies, from Coronation Street, will get the event under way, assisted by the Chester Town Crier.
“We have a Samba Band, a local cheerleading group, Funky Monkey and other activities organised to ensure that this is a really fun family festive event,” said Amanda Le Bretton, fundraising and marketing manager at The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Twenty-seven members of staff from M&S Money have signed up to take part.
Jeni Underhill, M&S Money community relations manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Chester Santa Dash, helping to maximise the amount that can be raised on the day for both charities.
“This is also a fun way to engage our people in local fund-raising, and we have supported our employees with subsidised entry fees and an offer of matched funding.”
