Several Santas, elves, and Christmas trees convened in Burrs Country Park at the weekend for the 2023 Santa Dash.
To host the 5K fun run, the hospice partnered with the outdoor events and education organiser, The Sunnywood Project, which promotes a love for the outdoors by providing a variety of events and educational programmes that advocate healthy lifestyles for people living in Bury and surrounding areas.
A total of 55 people ran in support of Bury Hospice alongside runners from The Sunnywood Project’s, Burrs Community Run, totalling more than 100 people, all dressed in Christmas attire and poised to take on the racing challenge.
An alternative 2K course was also available for keen racers who preferred a shorter distance, as the race was suitable for people of all ages and racing abilities.
All registered participants in the dash received a free Santa hat to fully get into the festive spirit, as the race, which was officially opened by the mayor of Bury, Cllr Sandra Walmsley, got underway.
The hospice dashers had all pledged to raise a minimum of £50 to take part and were encouraged to gain the support of friends, family, and colleagues who made donations or in some cases, took the time to cheer them on from the sidelines.
The participants all received a medal and a certificate, as well as a goodie bag filled with chocolate and surprises to take home. Ten lucky runners also got a gift voucher, courtesy of The Arcade Club, Bury, for an adult session.
Nellie Savory, inpatient unit clinical lead at the hospice ran the race with her clinical colleagues and running team, the Christmas Belles.
She saw the Santa Dash as being the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of the hospice.
Nellie said: “It’s about us (the team) giving back, as well as people donating to us (the hospice), so it’s about making us visible out there.”
She added: “The Santa Dash is all about raising funds that will go towards making a difference for our patients.”
I cannot echo this sentiment enough. We thank everyone who took part in the race because every penny raised will help to sustain the care services offered at the hospice.
It was great to see everyone at the Santa Dash and to be able to cheer on so many of our hospice staff who joined in the run.
The atmosphere was really great and festive with Radcliffe Brass Band making sure everyone got off to a great start. Well done to all the runners and walkers who joined in.
We are grateful for all the donations that are still coming in. If you would still like to support the Santa Dash, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/burysantadash2023.
If you would like to support the clinical running team, the Christmas Belles, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracy-barnes-1700818333082.
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