Katharine House fun run attracts hundreds of festive Santas

It is hoped the event will raise up to £25,000 for Katharine House – enough to run the hospice’s Inpatient Unit for five days over Christmas, and ensure that local people and families facing life-limiting illness can get the support they need when they need it.

This was the tenth annual Santa Fun Run, which has raised more than £160,000 for the Adderbury-based hospice since it began.

Chris Higgins, marketing and communications manager at the hospice, said: “The Santa Fun Run is always a fantastic family morning out, and the atmosphere on Sunday was brilliant.

"We were so pleased to see so many families coming together to raise money for their local hospice. On behalf of everyone at Katharine House, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who came out to take part.”

The Santas ran a route around the academy grounds cheered on by family, friends and volunteers from Katharine House. In addition, there were craft stalls, face painting, a teddy bear raffle and Santa even made an appearance in his Grotto, handing out presents to the children.

Katharine House supports more than 800 local families every year, costing £4.8 million, and the hospice has launched an urgent appeal for funding as it faces a budgeted deficit of £435,000 this year due to rising costs and static government funding.

Chris added: "The deficit we face is equivalent to just over one month’s funding. Can you imagine if Katharine House were to close its doors for one month? For the people who desperately need the hospice’s support that would be unthinkable.

"That’s why, this year more than ever, we’re so delighted to see more than 400 people taking part in the Santa Fun Run.

"Without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to give local people the specialist care they need and make every moment matter for people at the end of their lives."