Runners, walkers, families and their four-legged friends will be getting into the Christmas spirit at the annual Rudolph Run at Tamworth Castle next month.

 

The festive fundraiser, taking place in the castle grounds on Sunday, 8th December, will see hundreds of supporters – many in fancy dress – stepping out to help St Giles Hospice, which cares for people with potentially-terminal illnesses and their families.

 

St Giles Hospice events manager Chloe Herbert said the Rudolph Run was a fun-packed event suitable for all the family, including four-legged friends, and with either a 3km or 6km route starting from Tamworth Castle, there was something for everyone.

 

“The Rudolph Run is a real highlight of our calendar at St Giles – it’s a fun, colourful event which really makes people feel that Christmas is on its way,” said Chloe. “So why not kick of your festive season and support your local hospice at the same time?”

 

She added that the Rudolph Run was a wonderful event to be part of because so many people taking part put so much effort into dressing up.

 

“We love to see whole families and teams of friends or co-workers turning up dressed as elves, Santas and snowmen, which really adds to the fun. It’s a lovely atmosphere and everyone who takes part will receive a finisher’s medal and festive treats.”

 

One St Giles supporter who is urging people to sign up is Mandy Bates, from Stonnall, who took part in last year’s Rudolph Run with her daughters just weeks after her mother-in-law died at the hospice.

 

She said: “The Rudolph Run was a great day and we all really enjoyed it. I’d definitely recommend it to other people.”

 

Mandy’s mother-in-law Kathleen Bates, aged 77, from Streetly, received end-of-life care at St Giles Hospice in Whittington after she was transferred there from the hospital where she was being treated for cancer.

 

Mandy said: “The care she received from St Giles was outstanding. The staff there are all angels! If we wanted something, someone was there straight away and her dignity was uppermost. You just couldn’t fault their care.

 

“She didn’t like the idea of going into St Giles at first but, after a couple of days, she relaxed and realised she was being well looked after so she was content. It was more compassionate care than just the medical care she’d received before.

 

“We were so glad she was able to be at St Giles for the last two weeks of her life. We did the Rudolph Run because we wanted to give something back for the amazing care she received.”

 

The Rudolph Run is open to people of all ages and is suitable for all the family. The event is pushchair and wheelchair friendly and all dogs are welcome on a lead. Ticket prices are £15 for adults, £10 for children aged 5-15 years and £2 for under-fives.

 

To register for the event, which begins at 10am, visit www.stgileshospice.com/rudolph-run

 

For more information about St Giles Hospice and the expert care it provides, please visit www.stgileshospice.com