Santa Fun Runs raise thousands for local hospices

Friday, 17 December 2021 00:00

The first weekend in December saw hundreds of Santas dash through the streets of Salisbury and Winchester to raise funds for local hospices, Naomi House & Jacksplace.

This year marks the first Santa Fun Run in Salisbury, and saw nearly 100 local heroes brace the cold morning to complete their 5k distance. The sponsorship money is still coming in for these festive fun-runners and together they are looking to raise over £30,000.

Based in Sutton Scotney, Naomi House & Jacksplace are hospices for life-limited and life-threatened children and young adults, and their families. The funds raised from the Santa Fun Run support the hospices in providing support and expert medical care to local families.

Runners donned their santa suits and got involved in a cheery bit of yule-tide Zumba to get warmed up and ready for the 5k challenge. The Christmas spirit and the support of Naomi House & Jacksplace was clear, as children and grown-ups alike raced through the streets of Salisbury.

At the finish line they were all greeted by a shower of snow to complete their festive fun run.

Charlotte Patrick, Senior Events Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace said, “We’re thrilled to see such fantastic support for Naomi House & Jacksplace. It was brilliant to see so many people get involved in a fun, colourful and festive challenge to raise money for their local hospices for children and young adults.

"Our Santa Fun Run is a long-standing event in Winchester and we’re proud that it’s become an important part of people’s Christmas traditions. It was also the first time we’d delivered a Santa Fun Run in Salisbury, and I’m so impressed by the individuals who came and supported our charity. I’ll look forward to seeing you all again next year!”

Photography Credit: Jon Bolton