Andy Munns
The Santa Sleigh Run Idmiston Group have raised over £4,000 for Salisbury Hospice, breaking their fundraising record.
The group came together six years ago to start the magical runs, continuing a long-held tradition they grew up with in Idmiston.
The new version started in Idmiston, Porton and Winterbourne. A group of mums and dads coming together, intending to create some festive magic for their local area.
Word spread, and they were encouraged to widen what they were doing. This time, they completed six runs covering most of Salisbury, the surrounding area, and Amesbury.
The magic doesn’t just happen; the dedicated team works long hours to make the runs as spectacular as possible with Christmas Music, Snow, Smoke, lit-up reindeer, a collection of elves and Father Christmas. They add something new to the sleigh and run every year.
Laura Maher, part of the group, told Salisbury Radio, “There is lots of work to be done behind the scenes to make the sleigh look so magical, and it is all funded by our small group and the generosity of some businesses. We would do a full day at work and then spend evenings creating a magical sleigh at night, bringing a new feature or piece of magic each year.
“Businesses who’ve also supported us are Ozweld International, Vizual Koncept Jon Tribbeck, Porton Garden Aquatic and Pets, C.B skips, Marquise Alloys, Aquatec, South Coast Plumbing and R and E Land Rover.”
Their work is appreciated as people turn out in large numbers to grab a glimpse of the team and their sleigh as they pass. Over the six runs, the team clocked up over 90 miles on their routes, bringing joy to so many.
People who spotted Father Christmas on the sleigh have also given generously, with a total of £4251 raised for Salisbury Hospice Charity. Laura added, “We have beaten the amount raised each year, which is incredible.”
