Santas put best feet forward in city dash for charity cash

ON THE RUN: Top, Nicky Busby, with her dog Bella, among hundreds of people taking part in the annual Santa Dash, with beards and Christmas hats, to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice. A SEA of Santas brought Leeds city centre to a halt as festive crowds gathered yesterday to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice.

Many hundreds of runners took part in the annual Santa Dash, donning beards and Christmas hats in recognition of the work of the local charity.

Fundraisers united, young and old, with family groups, friends, and running clubs taking part, as well as a number of dogs dressed up as reindeers.

Hayley and Rich McCarthy, from East Ardsley, brought four-month-old baby Mabel, in a carrier complete with Santa hat, with big brother Sonny, three, running alongside.

“It’s nice to give something back, for such a good cause,” said Mrs McCarthy. “This is a charity that means so much to the community.”

And while the festive event was a celebration to raise many thousands for the Leeds-based hospice, it was also a chance for many families to remember a loved one who had spent their final days in its care.

“They do such a fantastic job,” said the Murphy family from Boston Spa, three generations running together to remember grandfather Brian. “It’s just an amazing charity.”