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Children’s Hospice South West’s spectacular Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle will be returning this December. 

More than 2,000 people took part in the last festive 2k fun runs around the Eden Project in Cornwall,  RHS Garden Rosemoor in Devon, and Lloyds Amphitheatre in Bristol in 2019, raising nearly £80,000 in support of the charity’s three children’s hospice.

Last year during lockdown, more than 1,000 people raised a massive £75,000 by taking part in a virtual Santa run but this year, CHSW fundraiser Kiley Pearce hopes an army of fun runners and walkers will be back at Rosemoor and Eden, and a brand new location of Ashton Court in Bristol, raising cheer in their festive gear on Sunday, December 5.

We’re excited to be bringing our flagship fundraising event back to Cornwall, Devon and Bristol in our 30th anniversary year.

“Our supporters did us proud during the pandemic, raising thousands of pounds across the region by taking part in virtual Santa runs with their families and friends at home," added Kiley.

“And while people will still be able to do a Santa run at home if they’d prefer to, we hope as many people will join us at Eden, Rosemoor and Ashton Court as possible.

“Our festive, fun 2k course is suitable for all ages and abilities and there will be plenty of festive treats to enjoy along the way, making it a brilliant festive family day out – the perfect way to get everyone in the mood for Christmas and help raise a few pounds for your local children’s hospice." 

Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle will be one of the charity’s first physical fundraising events for nearly two years. Santa suits are not being provided this year to help reduce the impact on the environment, and the registration fee has been reduced to £10 per adult, £5 per child (under twos are free). 

“People really enjoyed the freestyle element of last year’s virtual event so we’re encouraging people to do the same this year and be as creative as they like with their own festive costumes,” said Kiley.

Whether you want to sleigh it like Santa, rock it like Rudolph, sock it like a snowman or twinkle like a Christmas tree, we can’t wait to see everyone’s festive outfits – there will be prizes for the best!

CHSW, which was founded in 1991 and is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, supports more than 500 families across the South West. The charity provides respite, emergency, end-of-life and bereavement care and support for the whole family at its Little Bridge House, Charlton Farm and Little Harbour hospices.

It has adapted its care during the pandemic to ensure Covid-safe support wherever and whenever families need it, including for the first time ever, in families’ own homes.

“By taking part and raising money, you will be helping to provide vital care for local families who need our love and support now more than ever,” added Kiley.

Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle is kindly sponsored by The Exeter. To sign up for the Eden, Rosemoor or Ashton Court event, or to take part virtually, visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas  

You can also join the Santas on the Run Goes Freestyle Facebook group. 

Sign up