Santas dash to charity finish line!

A flock of Santas swapped their boots for running shoes as they dashed around the streets of Preston to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The annual festive fundraiser this year attracted 180 runners, who were set off from the start line by Preston North End legend Graham Alexander.
Graham said: “St Catherine’s Hospice is a great organisation and the work they do is just fantastic.
“There was a great turn-out and the atmosphere really put people into the festive spirit.”
Among those taking part was Margaret Mills MBE, who, at 91, was the oldest Santa joining in the festive fun.

Margaret, who works as a volunteer at Preston police station, said: “Everyone was in such high spirits and the atmosphere was wonderful.
“It was for a good cause and hopefully I’ll be able to come again next year and take part.”
Joining the Santas pounding the streets of Preston was a herd of reindeers who took part in the Rudolph Rumble fun run.
The 0.75km route attracted 40 children who dressed up in reindeer antlers and a red nose.
Graham added: “It was wonderful to see the kids taking part and see how competitive they were.
“They all had so much fun and it was nice that they really wanted to get involved.”
The Santa Dash, along with other associated events, is thought to have raised between £6,000 and £8,000 to support the work of St Catherine’s Hospice and the specialised palliative and end of life care it provides to people in Preston, Chorley, Longridge and South Ribble.

Norman Cutler, senior fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice, thanked the community and local businesses including McDonalds, James Hall & Co and A1 Traffic Management for their support.
He said: “The day attracted a great turnout and it was brilliant to see supporters cheering the Santas and reindeers on, despite the cold weather.
“This year we introduced the festive run to schools and the interest shown from pupils has been great. The Santa Dash is a fun for all event and we hope it continues to gitem from strength to strength.
“Thank you to everyone who was involved on the day including McDonald’s and James Hall & Co, and a huge thanks to A1 Traffic Management who were a tremendous help.
“Without help from the members of the community and businesses, events such as the Santa Dash just wouldn’t be possible.”

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