Ho, Ho, Ho! Why not join Chronicle reporter Rachel Flint by taking part in the annual Chester Santa Dash to support charities who help the youngest members of society and their families.
Individuals and teams are invited to don their specially-provided Father Christmas outfits and walk or run the route around Chester city centre on Sunday December 8, along with hundreds of other Santas.
Registration costs £10, which includes the costume, a medal and goodie bag, but then it’s down to everyone to raise as much sponsorship as possible ahead of the fun event.
The money will be split between the Countess of Chester Hospital’s £3m Babygrow Appeal to build a new neonatal unit and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd’s child bereavement service which supports children who have experienced the loss of someone close.
Janet Ratcliffe, fundraising manager at the Countess, said: “Last year a lot of people didn’t pay any sponsorship and we think that perhaps they felt that paying the £10 was supporting us.
“The problem is the £10 only covers the cost of setting up the event so as charities we rely on the sponsorship element. We want people to have a good time but the whole idea is we are using the charities’ time and resource to raise money.”
Janet added: “It’s a great family atmosphere and sets off the festive season. A lot of families have told us they take part in the Santa dash, do a bit of shopping and then go home to watch a Christmas video and know they are helping a charity as well.
“If everybody taking part could raise at least £30, which isn’t a huge amount, then suddenly we are raising a lot of money. But some people last year raised hundreds of pounds and got it matched by their companies so we don’t want to discourage people from really going for it.”
The Babygrow Appeal aims to improve the environment within the neonatal unit. Monies raised will not pay for equipment or staff. It will create a spacious and airy atmosphere with more privacy, for example, for grieving parents. There would be a sibling room and a resource room for parents to research conditions.
To date about £850,000 has been raised which includes a £300,000 donation from the Duke of Westminster’s daughter Lady Tamara van Cutsem.
To enter online, visit: www.chestersantadash.com . Call 01244 366240 or 01244 851811 with any questions.
