School pupils give Santa a run for his money

Students at The Priory School in Hitchin are limbering up to join hundreds of Santas on the most festive fun run of the season for Hertfordshire’s children’s hospice.

The team of 20 pupils and teachers can’t wait to take on Keech Hospice Care’s Santa Run this December and raise money for the charity.

Priory student Zac Cash, 17, said: “I’m really looking forward to dressing up as Santa and having a lot of fun team building with the rest of my class. It’s going to be great. Everyone should do it!”

For Charlotte Page, 17, Keech Hospice Care is a cause close to her heart.

“Keech has given my disabled sister and our whole family so much amazing support for years, so I’m really excited to help this great charity. For me, doing the Santa Run is my way of saying thank you,” said Charlotte.

Cheryl Hamer, senior English teacher at The Priory School and the teens’ form tutor, inspired the students to sign up to get them thinking about their physical well-being, while also supporting the vital work of their local hospice.

“I’m really excited to get the students up and active and Keech have given us the opportunity not just to do this but also raise money for a brilliant cause. The day is going to be so much fun and I am very proud that so many of them have got involved,” said Mrs Hamer.

“Our students are really looking forward to not only the run, but the brilliant warm-up Keech does before the Santas all get on their marks, get set and ho ho ho!”

Mark Relf, Events Fundraising Manager at Keech Hospice Care, said that the hospice needs the community’s support more than ever to continue supporting adults and children with terminal and life-limiting illnesses when they need it most.

“Each year it is so wonderful to see hundreds of people all having a fabulous time dressed as Santa – it’s incredibly special. Please come and give Santa a run for his money at Keech Hospice Care’s 5km sponsored Santa Run on Sunday, 2 December along Bedford Embankment or Sunday, 16 December in Luton’s Wardown Park,” said Mark.

“As a charity, we depend on around 70 per cent of our funding to come from the community so please sign up to our Santa Run today and get into the Christmas spirit by helping us care for more seriously ill adults in Luton and Bedfordshire and children in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.”

Kick-start the countdown to Christmas by signing up for Keech Hospice Care’s 5km Santa Run and sign up here or call 01582 707940. Entry is just £15 for adults and includes a Santa costume to keep, finisher’s medal and gift. Under 16s cost £5, which includes festive headwear, and family entry for two adults and three children is £40.