Fundraising target for dashing Santas

Santas get ready to dash for Trinity Hospice along the promenade

Trinity Hospice’s annual ‘Santa Dash’ invites people of all ages – and even a few dogs – to take part in a frantic two mile-long race – or walk – from the Sandcastle Waterpark to Central Pier and back to help raise money for the much-needed Fylde coast facility.

Funds raised will help keep hospice residents comfortable and warm throughout winter.

Launching this year’s event, Trinity Hospice spokeswoman Shirley Morgan said: “The Santa Dash marks the start of our Christmas season. Everyone gets dressed up in flashing earrings and Christmas scarves and really gets into the spirit of things. We hold a lot of events at the hospice but the Santa Dash is definitely the happiest.

Annual Santa Dash on Blackpool Promenade

“Last year we raised just less than £30,000. This year we really want to break the £30,000 mark. We’re not funded by the NHS, so altogether the hospice needs to make around £5m every year to keep going and the Santa Dash provides a big chunk of that.”

Adults taking part in the event, which will take place on December 6, are asked to donate £10 to the charity in return for a festive costume made up of bright red trousers, shirt, belt, and pointed Santa hat–- while youngsters are asked to give just £5.

They will gather with hundreds of other Santas to show their support for Trinity Hospice and its specialist children’s care unit Brian House, in Bispham, which provides end of life care for adults and children across the Fylde coast.

Mrs Morgan said: “A lot of people who take part in the dash are doing it to remember someone special they have lost.

“It’s a way of saying thank- you to the hospice.

“Christmas can be a difficult and emotional time for people living with a serious illness and we want to make the holidays as comfortable and enjoyable as possible – not only for them but for their families as well.

“The Santa Dash is a great way to keep people smiling.”

• Anyone who wants to take part in the hospice’s Santa Dash can sign up online using the hospice’s website, or by calling the fund-raising team on (01253) 358881.