1,700 Santas smash fundraising record for Oxford hospice

The streets of Oxford City were a mass of Santas at the beginning of December, with 1,700 fundraisers bracing the cold and taking part in the annual Santas on the Run charity event.

The Santas ran, jogged and walked the two mile (3.2km) route in aid of the world's first children's hospice, Helen and Douglas House.

The event is expected to have raised at least £70,000, smashing last year's then record breaking amount of £57,481 and helping the charity with their important work providing care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions, and support for their families.

The Oxford event was sponsored for the fifth consecutive year by Foresters, the international financial services organisation, and is an important fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House.

Steve Dilworth, Managing Director Foresters Member Network UK, took part in the event with his family, and said: "The Helen and Douglas House Santas on the Run has become a regular community event in Oxford. Not only is it a great way to help a very worthy charity, but it also makes for a fun family day out. Foresters members and suppliers also get involved in providing tremendous assistance.

"Helen and Douglas House make a huge difference to the children and families it supports, and Foresters are proud to be able to sponsor this event and contribute towards the fantastic amounts raised for the hospice".

Poppy Hanbury, Senior Community and Events Fundraiser for Helen and Douglas House, added: "It's fantastic to see so many people dress as Santa and get behind this event and support their local children's and young adults hospice.

"We are so grateful to have Foresters back year after year, their contribution allows Helen and Douglas House to continue to hold fundraising events like Santas on the Run".

Registrations for the 2015 Santas on the Run event open in October – the date is yet to be confirmed, but it will be the first or second weekend in December. For more information about Santas on the Run, call 01865 799150 or email santa@helenanddouglas.org.uk. To find out more about Helen & Douglas House Hospice, please visit: www.helenanddouglas.org.uk/.