Springhill Hospice Father Christmas Fun Run

Date published: 17/10/2006

Don’t think you’re seeing things if, on Sunday 3 December, whilst enjoying the delights of Hollingworth Lake, you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of Santas, because on that day Springhill Hospice will be holding its first ever "Father Christmas Fun Run’, featuring up to 400 runners and walkers all dressed in Santa suits!

The event is the brainchild of Hospice supporter Pearl Benbow, who took part in a similar event last year in Liverpool. Pearl says, " My son, Paul, and I were just two of some 4,000 people who did the Liverpool Santa Run. Besides being good fun it was a great spectacle and I thought that we should bring a similar event to Rochdale in aid of the Hospice. It’s open to anybody – if you’re not a runner you can walk the route, push a pram or even walk the dog – as long as you’re dressed as Santa!"

Ian Jenkins, Fundraising Manager at Springhill Hospice, added, "Pearl came to me with this idea and, to her credit, she has done a fabulous job putting it together. She has organised event sponsorship through Subway, negotiated free transport to the event from Bu-Val Buses and free printing of posters, etc, through Avanti Printers and Teamprint in Littleborough. Everybody who takes part will receive a medal and the lady and gentleman who raise the most money will receive a prize, kindly donated by Fitness First. It should be a very colourful and fun event".

The walk commences at 11:00am from Hollingworth Lake Visitor Centre and goes around the perimeter path of the Lake. Free transport is available to and from Hollingworth Lake from outside the Town Hall from 9:30am on the day. Exclusive event t-shirts and a goody-bag will be given to all participants.

Anybody wishing to take part should contact Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office on 01706 711144 to request their registration form. Registration for the event is just £10, which includes provision of a Santa suit, and organisers are requesting each runner to raise a minimum sponsorship of £20. Places are strictly limited and going fast, so book your participation as soon as possible.