Santa Dash back in aid of Haven
THE Halton Haven Hospice annual Santa Dash fun run is coming back for its eighth year.
The event will take place at Victoria Park, Widnes, on Sunday, December 2, and is sponsored by Quay Pharma.
When the event began it took runners over the Silver Jubilee Bridge – but since 2015, due to traffic levels and now its current closure, the run has been at Victoria Park.
Everyone taking part in the event receives a Santa suit to wear for the run, creating an impressive sight as hundreds of Santas dash the three and a half lap route. Upon finishing, runners will be given a medal and a celebratory mince pie.
The event takes place directly before Panto In The Park, where visitors can meet the stars of Beauty And The Beast, the pantomime takingplace this year at The Brindley over Christmas.
Chris Andrews, senior fun- draising manager at Halton Haven, said: “We’re so excited that the Santa dash is back this year! It’s becoming a popular tradition in the area, something which our local communities enjoy being a part of and using as a way to support their hospice.
‘‘The fundraising efforts of last year’s runners saw over £7,000 raised for the haven and we’re hoping to top that this year! We are delighted to confirm a new sponsor this year too, with Quay Pharma kindly supporting the event. We’re very grateful for their support and contribution to the Santa dash.
“We’ve been keeping a close eye on the progress of the Silver Jubilee Bridge and there is a chance that this year’s Santa dash may be the last in Victoria Park before going back over the bridge again. No guarantees but ● we’ll be working hard to have the Santa dash on the bridge again as soon as possible.”
Sponsor Quay Pharma is an independent, privately owned company with scientific expertise in clinical trials.
Organised by Halton Haven Hospice, the event is to raise funds for the care they provide. The sponsorship raised by runners allows the hospice to continue for people in Halton who are living with lifelimiting conditions.
Only half of the hospice’s £2.5m annual running costs are covered by Government funding. The remaining £1.25m is raised by local people who take part in sponsored events and make donations.
Anyone wanting to take part in the Santa dash can register a twww.haltonhave. org.uk/santa-dash or contact the Hospice fundraising team on 01928 712 728 or fundraising@haltonhaven.co.uk