Anyone who ventured to Bushy Park, Hampton on Sunday 4 December was definitely in for a big surprise as the park was a sea of red with hundreds of Santas joining the deer and making a very festive scene. The cold day did not cool the spirits of Princess Alice Hospice supporters, staff and volunteers who made the charity’s annual Santa Fun Run - held for the fourth time - a great success.

This over 16s only event saw men and women and quite a few energetic dogs, complete with Santa suits racing in the hope of winning the coveted medals. Everyone was awarded a certificate; however, special praise must go to the fastest man and woman across the line, namely David Nash, Walton on Thames (20 mins 12 Secs) and Amanda Rencontre, Esher (22 mins 52 Secs).

Stella Stephens, Walton on Thames, returned to the event and once again showed that even those over 80 years of age could take part and have some festive fun, she must have been even faster this year as she evaded the photographer. Joyce Parish, Walton on Thames is a dedicated event and fundraising office volunteer, this time rather than helping on the sidelines she decided to put on her running shoes and set herself the target of raising £200. Joyce’s family and friends clearly wanted to see her in a Santa suit and so far she has raised £435.

Joining the run and entering large teams were representatives from NPL, Teddington and Train Fresh, Shepperton. The team from the Fresh gym also led the warm up and have been incredibly supportive throughout the whole of 2010.

Many families use the event as a way of supporting the charity, having fun and most importantly for them in memory of their loved one who received care from the Hospice. Members of the Sean, Lane, Brown and Gilbert families were running in memory of Jenifer Evans. The Morrant family comprising of Alex, Chris, Alison and Tim ran in memory of Desmond and so far have raised an incredible £570 and aim to generate even more.

William Isaacs, Becca Bush and Chloe Hernandez took part in the event and within the space of a fortnight have over £2,500 in sponsorship; they took part in the run to support the Hospice that had cared for William’s father, Michael Issacs.

Above: Super-healthy octagenarian Stella Stephens from Walton on Thames

Below from left to right: Tim, Alison, Chris and Alex Morrant running in memory of Desmond