The nights are drawing in and there’s a bit of a nip in the air, which can only mean one thing – Christmas is on the way! Why not get yourself in the festive spirit by signing up for one of Phyllis Tuckwell’s Santa and Elf fun runs? They’re the perfect way to get the whole family in the mood for Christmas, as well as raising money for an important local charity. Everyone is welcome – including dogs (on a lead) - and you can run, jog or walk at whatever pace you feel comfortable with. This year the younger members of the family can join in too, with the new Santa’s Little Helpers fun runs for toddlers! Register now to secure your spot, and get friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor you to take on the challenge.
The Fun Runs will take place at three different venues across Surrey and Hampshire, so you can choose your nearest - or your favourite. Pick from a 3.5km route around the beautiful Devil’s Punch Bowl in Hindhead at 11am on Sunday 1st December, a 4k circular route at 10am on Saturday 14th December starting at The Pepperpot in Godalming, or a 5km run starting and ending at the Wavell School in Farnborough at 11am on Sunday 15th December.
Both the Godalming and Farnborough fun runs will also be offering Santa’s Little Helpers runs for toddlers, who are invited to walk or run their own route dressed as elves. The toddlers’ races will begin once all of the Santas and bigger elves have started off on the main runs, and these little elves are welcome to have as many people walking with them as they would like. Anyone who walks with them is invited to register as well, but this is not compulsory. All adults who register will get a Santa suit and everyone who is registered will receive a medal at the end of their run.
2019 is an important year for Phyllis Tuckwell as it is their 40th anniversary. Since 1979 they have been providing supportive and end of life care for local patients and families who are living with an advanced or terminal illness, such as cancer. By getting sponsored to take part in one of these runs, you can help them to continue to provide this vital care.
“When we first opened our doors in 1979, we cared for 250 people a year – but now we support over 250 people every day,” says Fiona Chapman, Events Fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell. “However, as the NHS/Government only covers 20% of our costs, we have to raise over £20,000 a day to do this. These fun runs are a fantastic way for people to get involved and help us hit this target. As it is our 40th anniversary this year we would love it if everyone could try to raise £40 in sponsorship – or more if they can! The registration fees just cover the cost of the event, so if our fun runners can get sponsored too, it would really help us to continue providing our vital care.”
Visit www.pth.org.uk/event-diary or call 01252 729446 to register. Registration costs £16 for adults and £9 for children (u14), and includes a Santa suit for adults and elf hat for children – helping you to really get into the Christmas spirit! Registration fees will be higher on the day.
