A SWARM of Santas sauntered through the streets of Harlow on Sunday 28^th November to raise funds for St Clare Hospice and kick-start a bit of Christmas cheer. 

St Clare Hospice’s fun annual event had been paused for a number of years but returned in style this year, with around 100 runners raising around £4,500 for the West Essex and East Hertfordshire hospice charity. 

The festive pack began their 5k trek round Harlow town at the Water Gardens; most were dressed in snuggly Santa costumes, with a few elves (running a shorter 1k run) and reindeer in the mix. 

Dani De’ath, Events and Challenges fundraiser at St Clare Hospice, said: “After almost four years it was great to be back! The Water Gardens in Harlow was the perfect venue for the return of this fun, fundraising event. Thank you to everyone who booked their place and took part, raising thousands to help fund our hospice services, which support local people to live well, and die with dignity.” 

The event, which was sponsored by local estate agents Fortune and Coates, was blessed with blue skies, but a cold biting winter wind kept the speeding Santas on their toes.  One participant, Claire, who has been a stalwart fundraiser for St Clare Hospice completing the London and Chelmsford Marathon along with another fancy dress park run in the last two months – raising more than £700 for the Hospice to date – said: “That was a first – 5k dressed as Santa! Thanks to Dani and the team for putting on such a fun event, I had a fantastic time! Hopefully the marshals have thawed out now!”

Alongside the volunteer marshals, there were a number of other St Clare Hospice volunteers who helped to run the festive stalls and activities, with every penny raised going towards St Clare’s free, compassionate care and support services for those living with a life-limiting illness or experiencing bereavement. 

Dani added: “Everyone who gave up their time to help our fun run bring some Christmas cheer are the true stars of Christmas, from Katrina Leighton-Hearn who started the event for us in style, to the marshals and stall volunteers. They all helped us to being a bit of festive cheer to the local community.”

Sometimes it’s the small things that help to brighten up a day, as one comment on Spotted in Harlow affirms: “I have just seen lots of people running along the Stow main road dressed as Father Christmas. I guess they are running for charity. They brightened a very sad day for me. Such a sweet and bright sight to see.”

St Clare Hospice offer a range of ways that people can have fun and fundraise for the local charity. For more information, contact please contact Dani on 01279 773738, email[email protected] or visit stclarehospice.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/fundraise-for-us/