BBC presenter Louise Minchin will be getting into the festive spirit and leading the Santa Dash at 10am on Sunday, December 7.
Louise will join hundreds of other Santas running and walking the new 2014 route which will be setting off from Chester University’s Riverside Campus in Castle Drive and ending up in the city centre. The Santa Dash raises vital funds for two local charities – The Babygrow Appeal and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Louise said: “I am really looking forward to this special run through the beautiful streets of Chester.
“It’s a 10am start which gives me a lie in compared to my day job so that’s a bonus too! Being a part of this great family event for two local charities will definitely put me in the festive mood and I am really excited about seeing all the Santas at the dash.”
Louise will be joined at the start by Stephen Mosley MP, ChELFie – the Chester Bid Mascot and Rachel from Morris Homes who have sponsored the event.
The 3.3k route is suitable for participants who want to run, walk, push a pram or take the dog for a stroll. It’s a fun-family event and both charities say this year promises to be even better than ever.
The Goode family from Whitchurch are taking part this year.
Mum Sally Goode said: “Myself and husband John, Zoe, three, and Leo, six months, are looking forward to taking part in the Santa Dash and raising money for the Babygrow appeal. Zoe received 17 weeks of neonatal care in 2012 when she was born 16 weeks early weighing just 1lb 7oz! We will be forever grateful for the fantastic care and support our family received during that time.”
The Babygrow Appeal aims to raise £3m to build a new Neonatal Unit at Countess of Chester Hospital while the
Hospice of the Good Shepherd will put their share of the money raised from this event towards REFLECT, a service that provides free bereavement service to children between the ages of three and 19.
Karamba Samba and the Songsmiths Choir will be providing entertainment along the route before participants cross the line in the city centre.
Corporate and events manager Lesley Woodhead said:“It’s not too late to register and join in the fun this year and help two great local charities at the same time.”
The entry fee is £10 per person – and for this you get a Santa suit, a medal and refreshments. Children five and under are free. Register for the event by visiting www.chestersantadash.com For further information you can call 01244 366240.
