Fundraisers are being invited to spread a little Christmas cheer and kick off their festive fun as the St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run makes a welcome return to Tamworth Castle next month (December). Runners, walkers, teams of friends and families – and their four-legged friends – will be able to take part in the popular festive fundraising event either in Tamworth Castle Grounds on Sunday, 5th December, or in their own local area.

The annual Rudolph Run was cancelled last year (2020) because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with supporters taking part in their local area instead. Rudolph Run Your Way proved so popular that it is being offered as an option this year as well. This year’s Rudolph Run hopes to see hundreds of supporters – many in fancy dress – stepping out to help St Giles Hospice, which cares for local people and their families living with a terminal illness. St Giles Hospice Events Manager Zoe Wright said the Rudolph Run is a fun-packed event suitable for all the family, including pet dogs, and with either a 3km or 6km route to run or walk, there is something for people of all abilities.

“Everyone at St Giles loves the Rudolph Run,” said Zoe. “For us – and for our loyal fundraisers who come back year after year – it marks the true start of Christmas. It’s a colourful, festive event, which never fails to get people in the Yuletide spirit and adds to the seasonal sparkle – and by raising sponsorship as well as dressing up and having fun you can make a real difference for the families who need us most.

“So many people who take part love to dress up, and they put so much effort into their fantastic costumes. Each year we see whole families and teams of friends or co-workers coming along dressed as Christmas trees, reindeer, elves and snowmen, which really adds to the fun. 

So join us in your Christmas jumper, support us dressed as Santa or enjoy an adventure in your antlers at our 13th annual Rudolph Run!; “If you’re unable to join us at Tamworth Castle, you can still take part in your own time. Simply spread some festive cheer in your Christmas gear around your local area as we did last year – taking on Rudolph Run “Your Way” anytime between Friday 3rd and Sunday 5th December.” Over the last 12 years, the St Giles Hospice Rudolph Run has raised a staggering £83,000 to help care for local people, and their families. Zoe added: “We’d love to say a huge thank you to everyone who takes part each year. We simply couldn’t do what we do without your support. Your entry fee covers the administration cost of the event, but it would make a huge difference if you could raise sponsorship too.

“With only a third of our income funded by the Government, your support really is crucial in helping us deliver our care – especially at this time of year, when we are helping families who may be facing their last Christmas together and trying to make it as special as possible for them.”

A donation of £40 to St Giles could pay for one hour of the hospice’s Advice and Referrals team. A donation of £202 could pay for visits to a patient in their own home by St Giles community nurses, and £676 could fund 24 hours of hospice care for a patient at the end of their life. St Giles has also unveiled a host of festive fundraising events and ideas to help people who want to support the hospice at home, work or school in the run-up to Christmas this year. Zoe said: “Friday, 10th December will see our annual Jolly Jumper Day taking place, where people are encouraged to wear their wonderful woolly for a suggested donation of £1.

We’re also promoting our Secret Santa Swap, encouraging people to donate the funds they would have spent on a Secret Santa to St Giles. “You can also get a Merry Messages Poster to write messages for your family, friends or colleagues, make dedicated donations as gifts or we can give you loads of ideas to host a festive fun day.

We’re also selling a wide range of our popular charity Christmas cards.”

For more information about this year’s Rudolph Run, visit www.stgileshospice.com/rudolphrun For fundraising ideas to support St Giles Hospice this Christmas, visit www.stgileshospice.com/get-festive