Santas on the Run Plymouth debut a success
£16,000 and counting was raised for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) on Saturday 29 November as the charity brought its well-loved event, Santas on the Run, to Plym Valley Railway for the first time.
This event saw 280 supporters of all ages kick off the festive season dressed in a range of Christmas costumes.
Participants enjoyed a festive train ride complete with entertainment on the Lord Oliver Brown Locomotive, which transported them to the start line of a festive 3k route at Plymbridge where they were entertained by Elements Taiko Band.
There were festive themed stations along the route which included a Selfie with the Elf, Snow and Treat stations, generously sponsored by local businesses Azets Accountants, Collins Aerospace and AtkinsRéalis who were also the headline sponsor of the event.
Kiley Pearce, Events Fundraiser at CHSW said:
We were thrilled to bring Santa’s on the Run to Plymouth for the first time and loved seeing the effort everyone went to with their outfits, it was a brilliant atmosphere. We hope it sparked magical memories and kicked off the festive season for all involved.
“The addition of the Lord Oliver Brown locomotive being part of the event was so special and to have raised vital funds for our local hospice, Little Harbour, is what’s really important. We are grateful to Plym Valley Railway for hosting us, CTC Medical for providing medical cover and our incredible volunteers and marshals who made it possible.”
The Lord Oliver Brown Locomotive was restored in memory of Oliver Brown from Plymouth, who died in 2019 from blood cancer. The family were supported by Little Harbour. The 5-year restoration project was completed in March earlier this year, and knowing Christmas was Oliver’s time of year, Santas on the Run was the perfect event for CHSW to hold.
Money raised from Santas on the Run will go towards the £14 million annual cost to run CHSW’s 3 hospices, including Little Harbour in St Austell.
Little Harbour provides free support to babies, children and young people with life limiting illnesses and their families, including hospice days and stays, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support. The hospice also offers resilience stays, as well as support in families’ own homes.
Little Harbour’s doors are open 365 days a year and will be a home from home for families over the festive period too.