Hundreds of fundraisers took to Colchester Castle Park for the postponed Santa Fun Run, raising over £22,000 for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity. 

On Sunday, January 12, Colchester Castle Park was transformed into a sea of red and white after the annual run was postponed due to weather warnings at the end of last year. This made for a rare sighting of hundreds of Santas in January, as around 300 fundraisers dressed in Santa suits, and braved the wintery conditions.  

The event, organised by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, encouraged participants to run, walk or jog in person or virtually, to raise funds for a number of good causes across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust.  

This significant amount will go towards vital projects and initiatives, helping to take care of local patients, their families, and staff in the local community.  

Stephanie and Imogen Bender, joined by their family, ran their race virtually on Sunday, 22 December. The occasion marking their 10^th Santa Fun Run having participated since Imogen was born at Colchester Hospital.  

"This is the 10th year we have laced up our trainers and pulled on our Santa suits to raise money for the Neonatal ward at Colchester Hospital. It started with Imogen in a pushchair, then her toddling along. One year she was pulled in a sledge through the snow, but now she is joined by her loving brother, aunties, uncles, cousins, and parents who stride by her side as she powers around 5K.  

"Surrounded by people who love her, we raise money because we cannot imagine a world without Imogen in it. Sadly, that was the reality we came unbearably close to when Imogen was born very poorly.  

"She was saved by the continuous hard work of the skilled doctors and nurses at Colchester, who gave up time with their families over Christmas to save ours. We continue to raise money for them each year because it holds a special place in our hearts. We owe them everything, and we can never repay that debt” 

Nichola Whymark, head of fundraising and marketing, expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in making the Santa Fun Run a resounding success. She said, "We would like to extend our thanks to everyone that supported us including the participants, suppliers, volunteers and our sponsor Persimmon Homes who made this event possible.  

“Their support and commitment have been truly inspiring. Together, they have made a significant difference to the lives of patients, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity."  

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that plans for their 2025 events are already underway. To find out more please visit here.