Hundreds to Santa Run in memory of Helen

The family of a Dunstable mum who recently died are calling on people to get into the festive spirit and support Luton’s 5km Santa Run in her memory.

Helen Mitchell died at Keech Hospice Care in Luton in October, just two days after her 62nd birthday, having been diagnosed with a rare form of bladder cancer in January.

Now, her son Jack, 27, is asking everyone to join him and his family, and have fun at Luton’s Santa Run on 10 December to support the charity which cared for her.

“The excellent care and support that we had as a family from Keech Hospice Care meant so much to us. It was a comfortable place for mum and she got the fantastic care she needed. Cancer is a scary thought, but with Keech’s support, it was that little bit easier to deal with,” said Jack.

“My mum was the most incredible, caring and motivational person with a fantastic sense of humour, and always fully supported me in whatever I did. Keech Hospice Care’s 5km Santa Run at Wardown Park on Sunday 10 December is the perfect way for us to remember mum and to raise money to help this amazing charity which cared for her.”

Helen, born and bred in Dunstable and one of four sisters, worked as a bookkeeper for most of her adult life. In August she came to Keech Hospice Care after being told her cancer had spread.

“The staff at Keech Hospice Care are incredible. They are always on hand to help, with a smile on their faces. The hospice even has a room where we stayed during the final week of mum’s life. It meant we never had to worry about travelling or not being there when it mattered the most,” said Jack.

“Most of my family is signed up for Keech’s Santa Run. It will be great to run together with all the other Santas. We can’t wait to do it!”

Liz Searle, Chief Executive Officer, at Keech Hospice Care, said: “It’s going to be wonderful to see hundreds of people all having a fabulous time dressed as Santa running around Wardown Park – it’s incredibly special. As a charity, we depend on around 70 per cent of the funding for our care services to come from the community, so please sign up today and get into the Christmas spirit by helping us care for more people with terminal and life-limiting illnesses.”

“Please come and give Santa a run for his money at Keech Hospice Care’s 5km sponsored Santa Run on Sunday 10 December at Wardown Park,” said Jack.

Kick-start the countdown to Christmas by signing up for Keech Hospice Care’s 5km Santa Run at www.keech.org.uk/santarun 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 and includes festive headwear, and family entry for two adults and three children is £40.