Helen Lockwood, CEO, Bury Hospice, looks forward to next month's Santa Dash 

The annual Bury Hospice Santa Dash is back, which means many Santas and elves will be gathering for a brisk run through Burrs Country Park on Sunday, December 15 at 9.30am.

The Santa Dash is brought to you in collaboration with the Sunnywood Project, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on utilising the outdoors to enrich lives.

We invite you to join us for this year’s novelty 5k fun run, which is suitable for all racing abilities.

Running is an option, as you may choose to skip, jog, or walk your way through the course, to suit your physical abilities.

We encourage you to dash through the park dressed up in a fun Christmas-themed outfit.

If, perhaps, you are supporting the hospice on Friday, December 6 by wearing a festive jumper to work (for a suggested donation of £2 or £3 if not), you could, in the spirit of sustainability, reuse your Christmas jumper at the Santa Dash, ensuring that you look the part, and that you’ll also be nice and warm throughout.

Whether or not you choose to dress up, all registered participants will receive a free Santa hat. We also welcome donations from any spectators who too would like to have a hat on the day.

The Mayor of Bury, Cllr Khalid Hussain, will kick off this year's Santa Dash, and the Bury Music Service Youth Brass band will be playing festive music to keep spirits merry and high.

Pledge to raise £100 minimum in support of the hospice and have lots of fun at this year’s Santa Dash!

All racers will receive a medal and a certificate, as well as a goodie bag filled with surprises to take home.

Quite like the Santa Dash, there’s also the option of the Reindeer Run for young children to get involved in.

The fabulous thing about the Reindeer Run is that you can pick a place, date, and time that suits you, making it the ideal event to host in a playground, park, or school hall.

As the excitement for the festive season starts to build, make sure the children in your life don’t miss out on all the fun.

Our youngsters are sure to have a joyous time taking on a fun physical challenge, and making early starts in their charitable fundraising.

Each child who participates in the Reindeer Run will receive reindeer antlers (provided by the hospice), sponsorship form envelopes, a certificate of appreciation, and the fantastic opportunity for a large cheque presentation.

Whether you take part in the Santa Dash or Reindeer Run, you’re certain to have a merry time hopping, skipping, jumping, or running for Bury Hospice. All funds raised will go towards helping local patients and families in need of our specialist palliative and end-of-life care and support.

Head here to register and learn more about our upcoming festive events:

Santa Dash: https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/bury-hospice-santa-dash-2024

Reindeer Run: https://www.buryhospice.org.uk/events/reindeer-run-24

Christmas Jumper Day: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/buryhospicexmasjumper2