This year sleigh-loads of Santas across the country will be rocking around the Christmas tree in a national series of fun runs, all in aid of children’s hospices.

Santas on the Run, sponsored by Foresters, an international financial and charitable organisation, is a series of fun runs in Santa costume which sees Children’s Hospices UK and children’s hospices throughout the country working together to raise awareness and much needed funds.

Adults and children of all ages and abilities are invited to dress up and take part in their local event to raise money for children’s hospices across the UK. By taking part this Christmas you can help make a real difference to children’s hospices and the families they support; get fit and most importantly have some festive fun.

The runs take place between 29 November and 21 December, with race distances ranging from 2km to 5km. Most races charge a registration fee and request a minimum sponsorship pledge. Donations go directly to the children’s hospice organising the event to help ensure that all children and young people who are not expected to reach adulthood and their families have the care and support they need.

It couldn’t be easier to take part; simply register for your nearest run and start raising your sponsorship. To find out if Santa is coming to a town near you visit www.santasontherun.org.uk  

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CONTACTS

Rebecca Downey | Communications Assistant | E rebecca@childhospice.org.uk | T 0117 989 7830

NOTES

Children’s Hospices UK
Children’s Hospices UK is the national charity that gives voice and support to all children’s hospice services. We help children’s hospices to continually enhance the care and support they provide to children who are not expected to reach adulthood and their families. We raise awareness of the range of services provided by children’s hospices and fundraise to help them to continue to provide their services for free. We also campaign and lobby on behalf of children’s hospices, ensuring their voice is heard by government. For more information visit our web site at www.childhospice.org.uk

About children’s hospice services
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to be told their child will die before them. But for an estimated 20,000 families across the UK, this is a reality. Some of these children will die when they’re very young; others will deteriorate slowly over a number of years. In most cases, full-time care falls to the parents – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not surprisingly the whole family is under huge emotional, physical and financial strain.

Children’s hospice services help children and families in these situations with the emotional and physical challenges they face, helping them to make the most of life. They welcome the whole family for a break in a home-from-home environment or in the comfort of their own home. They also offer a diverse range of other services including symptom control, end-of-life care, the provision of therapies (such as play, art and music therapy) and bereavement support for all family members.

There are 41 children's hospices across the UK. Each service is an independent charity which relies on public support to continue their work.

Santas on the Run
Santas on the Run is a national series of fun runs in Santa costume, organised by children’s hospices and Children’s Hospices UK, working in partnership. There are 17 events within the national series. Details of all the events can be found on the website www.santasontherun.org.uk

Foresters
Foresters, is an international financial services organisation which has operated in the UK, US and Canada for 135 years.

Last year our worldwide charity work involved nearly 1 million hours of community involvement, with Foresters members and employees assisting more than 400 charities. In the UK alone we raised £1.7m for worthwhile causes. We measure our success not only by financial strength, but also by the positive impact we have on our members’ communities.

We are committed to understanding your financial needs and to offering products and membership benefits, which will assist you with your financial security and peace of mind.

For more information visit: www.foresters.co.uk