People of all ages are being invited to spread some festive cheer as Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s annual Santa Fun Run returns to Colchester for its 15th consecutive year.
Taking place on Sunday 8 December, the event will wind its way through the picturesque landscape of Castle Park. People will be run, walk or jog the 5km or 3km routes dressed as Santa, making the event perfect for both seasoned runners and those looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit.
Santa Fun Run 2024 – photo courtesy of Adrian Ruston
As well as being a fantastic opportunity to have a jolly good time with friends and family, the Santa Fun Run also supports patients, staff and volunteers across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
People taking part can fundraise for any ESNEFT hospital, ward, department or appeal that means the most to them. This could include the Butterfly Appeal, Cancer Wellbeing Centre, children’s departments, staff wellbeing or another area that’s close to their heart.
Among those taking part is Maxine (Max) Last, who is clinical project lead for end of life care and line manager to the Butterfly Service at ESNEFT.
Max is taking on the event dressed as ‘the holiday armadillo’ from the TV show Friends to raise money for the Butterfly Appeal.
“The Butterfly Appeal is extremely important to me as I am dedicated to improving care before, during and after death,” said Max (pictured above and below).
“Supporting end of life care through projects such as the Butterfly Appeal is vital for those facing serious and life-limiting conditions, their families and carers at both our acute and community hospital sites and within our communities across Suffolk and north Essex. I’m raising money to help our non-clinical Butterfly Service run long into the future, whilst making sure that people do not die alone across ESNEFT.”
Persimmon Homes is sponsoring the event, and will be on hand to reward participants at the finish line with snacks and a bespoke medal. Their volunteers will also be cheering on the runners along the route.
Richard Hush (pictured left in the image below), managing director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “Our local hospitals are at the very heart of our community and it is an honour to be able to support the work they do through our sponsorship of the Santa Fun Run.
“We are looking forward to being a part of this popular annual event, raising funds for this very worthy cause and also celebrating the staff who go the extra mile for their patients.”
Fundraisers can enjoy an early bird discount until the end of October. To register for the Santa Fun Run and find out more information about the event, visit Santa Fun Run 2024.
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