Santa’s in trainers at Herne Bay 2018

Herne Bay’s coastline was filled with Christmas cheer, Santa’s in trainers and the sound of more than 1,100 pairs of Santa feet on Sunday, as fancy dressed fundraisers took part in the festive fun run for Pilgrims Hospices.

 

Adults of all ages, children and festively dressed furry four- legged friends raced, jogged and walked along the town’s seafront for Santa’s on the Run!

So far this year the event has raised over £30,500 which is set to rise even further as more sponsorship comes in daily for the much-loved hospice charity. With over £12,000 being raised through sponsorship from generous friends and family.

 

Crowds of spectators watched as the hoards of white-bearded participants gathered for the start at the town’s clock tower, ready to cheer them along for their 5k or 3k dash beside the sea.

 

Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer for Pilgrims Hospices, said: “This was our second Santa’s on the Run! The day was an absolute success and we’re over the moon with how it went.

 

“It was fantastic to see so many Santa’s taking part on the seafront in aid of local hospice care; 200 more than last year; supporters have spread the word and love for our event.

 

“We are already receiving some amazing feedback from our supporters.  This event is a feel-good day out for all of the family to start off their festive season and I hope it becomes a tradition for many families.

 

“The hospice would like to say a heart-felt thank you to the headline sponsors, Wahl UK who also entered over 30 Santa’s for the event. Sponsors Active Business Group who entered a team of dressed up dogs and other business supporters Jenner Construction Ltd., Makcari’s Coffee Shop, Herne Bay Rotary Club and all of the marshals and volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help on a safe run!

 

Each year Pilgrims supports hundreds of local people coping with a life limiting illness and their families. The charity offers a range of services: from end of life care given on its wards, to its new wellbeing and social programme supporting people after they are diagnosed to live well and stay independent.

 

This care continues 24/7 throughout the Christmas period so, as Lydia aims, the funds raised by the sporty Santa’s will help provide vital care:

“Every £20 raised by this event could pay for an hour of nursing care for a patient on our wards, within Pilgrims Therapy Centres or at home.  A huge thank you and Merry Christmas, we really could not do it without your help!”

 

 

The next Pilgrims challenge will be a Fire Walk on Friday 1 March 2019 at University of Kent, Canterbury and Saturday 2 March 2019 at Pilgrims Hospice, Ashford. More information is available at www.pilgrimshospices.org/firewalk

 

If you or someone close to you is living with a life limiting illness, find out about the support Pilgrims can offer through our Wellbeing and Social Programme at www.pilgrimshospices.org/wellbeing

 

Pilgrims Lottery Gift Vouchers

Looking for a gift that will help support local hospice care?

Pilgrims Hospices Lottery gift vouchers make unique presents for friends and family.

 

Give your loved ones the chance to win up to £20,000.

 

Each gift voucher comes with a card. Just tell us your details and the name and address of the person receiving your gift (minimum age 16 years) and we will do the rest.

 

Call Pilgrims for information or to purchase gift vouchers 01227 379 741.

 

 

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