Hundreds of Santas dash through Canon Hill Park

Charity run raises funds for childrens hospice.

More than 500 Santas descended on Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham on Saturday 2nd December to raise vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The 10th annual Acorns Santa Run saw festive fundraisers get suited-up for a sponsored dash around the city centre park, raising money to help the charity continue its vital work providing care for children and young people and support for their families.

Runners were given a free Santa suit and took part in either a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll, for those who wanted to take things slightly easier. Fundraisers at Birmingham’s most festive fun run also enjoyed a Christmas village complete with stalls and face painting.

The Santa Run is one of the charity’s most popular events and as a thank you to all those taking part; participants were given free entry to the National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham.

Phillippa Weatherhead Senior Events Officer at Acorns, said: “We’re so grateful to all the Santas who turned out and helped make the 10th anniversary of the run such a special occasion. The atmosphere was electric and it feels like Christmas has well and truly arrived!”

Acorns, which has hospices based in Walsall, Worcester and Selly Oak in Birmingham, offers a network of care for life-limited children and support to their families across the West Midlands. In the last year, Acorns has supported over 870 children and more than 1,090 families, including those who are bereaved.

Phillippa continued: “We rely on fundraising and donations for the majority of our income, so events like the annual Santa Run in Birmingham have a real impact. It’s not only a great way of having fun but it also helps us carry on our work.”

To find out more about the work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and how you can help raise vital funds visit www.acorns.org.uk