Adrian no longer seeing red over St Catherine’s Guild Santa Dash!

When football fanatic Adrian Gregory heard about the St Catherine’s Guild Santa Dash there was only one thing stopping him from taking part – the Father Christmas suit he would have to wear in the colour of his team’s greatest rival.
Now the devoted Everton fan has solved his loyalty dilemma by ordering his very own BLUE Santa suit especially for the occasion.
It means he will be able to complete the 5km course around Preston on December 2 with a clear conscience – without wearing red, the colour of his team’s biggest rival, Liverpool.

Adrian, a computer aided design technician who lives in Charnock Richard, Chorley, said: “I’ve been an Everton fan all my life – right from being a little lad, following in my dad Neil’s footsteps.
“I really wanted to run in the St Catherine’s Guild Santa Dash and raise money for such a great charity, but I couldn’t bear to do it wearing red!
“I got on the internet and soon found a Santa suit in blue, which solved the problem and means I can now take part with a clear conscience!”
Everton manager and former Preston North End skipper David Moyes, who lives in Fulwood, Preston, praised Adrian’s dedication to his team and a deserving local charity.
He said: “I’m not surprised that a big Evertonian like Adrian didn’t want to wear red!
“It’s good that he’ll be running through Preston in his true colours but of course the main thing is that, like all the others taking part, he will be raising some money for a very worthwhile local charity in St Catherine’s.”
The St Catherine’s Guild Santa Dash takes place on Sunday December 2, and the hospice at Lostock Hall is urging supporters across the area to sign up to take part.
Santas – who will be set on their way by Preston North End legend Graham Alexander – are invited to pound or plod the streets of Preston, while youngsters aged eight and under can sign up for the Rudolph Rumble – a 0.75km run dressed up in reindeer antlers.
Money raised at the event will go to the hospice which provides specialised palliative and end of life care for people across Chorley, Longridge, Preston and South Ribble living with conditions which can be treated but not cured.
Adrian, 31, is taking part with a group of friends from the Chorley Territorial Army, where he has been a medic for the past 10 years.
The group, who are currently recruiting new members, were only too happy to support such a good cause.
Adrian, whose mum Linda heads up the hospice’s community services, added: “I know what amazing work goes on at St Catherine’s to help people with life-limiting illnesses live as fully and independently as possible.
“As the hospice relies on charitable support so much, my TA colleagues and I were determined to do our bit to help.”
Norman Cutler, senior fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “It doesn’t matter whether you dash or dawdle – what’s important is your support in our special Guild Santa Dash and Rudolph Rumble. The money raised will allow us to continue to be there for our patients, providing specialised palliative and end of life care
We promise it will be a fun-filled, festive event which will really get you in the mood for the Christmas season!”
Santa suits or antlers are provided, along with a medal on the day presented by Graham Alexander and a certificate once sponsorship money has been received. Registration for the Santa Dash is £12 for adults and £5 for under 18s, and £5 for the Rudolph Rumble, with family tickets for two adults and two children available for £30.
Click here to book tickets or call Norman Cutler on 01772 695290. Families of five or more should call Norman who will arrange a 10 per cent discount.
Anyone interested in joining the Territorial Army – where benefits include paid training and an annual tax-free bounty of up to £1,694 once trained – should contact Lancaster House TA Centre on 01257 226938.

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