Santas suited and booted for festive footie dash
Fans were ho ho hoping to raise vital funds for charity as dozens of festive runners took to Maidstone United’s pitch at the weekend.
The annual Santa Dash returned to the Gallagher Stadium at half-time on Saturday, raising money for the Heart of Kent Hospice. A total of 28 people of all ages donned their Father Christmas outfits for the event.
Lawrence Edmead, corporate partnerships manager, organised the Yuletide dash. He said: “The whole day went really well.
“We’re still counting up the money but it looks like we raised around £600.
“There were a lot of generous Maidstone United fans in the crowd and we’re very grateful for all of their donations. “Maidstone were winning at half-time so at least everyone was happy when we came out.” By the time the band of Santas took to the field on Saturday afternoon, Maidstone United were 2-1 up against Dorking Wanderers.
But the away side dashed Stones fans’ Christmas spirits and stole a 3-2 win.
The Heart of Kent Hospice runs the Santa Dash each year to keep providing palliative care at its centre in Preston Hall, Aylesford.
The charity also helps to support families in their homes as their loved ones face the end of their lives. It has been doing so since 1991.
It provides care for more than 1,500 patients and their families every year around Maidstone, Aylesford, Tonbridge and Malling.
It costs £4million to run the charity, with more than £3million coming from local donations.
Turn to page 58 for the match report