Join the festive fun as the Santa Fun Run returns to Castle Park

Get ready to spread some festive cheer as Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity’s annual Santa Fun Run returns to Colchester Castle Park for its  15th consecutive year on Sunday 8 December.  

Participants of all ages are invited to take part in this merry run, which will wind its way through the picturesque landscape of Castle Park. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to get into the holiday spirit, the Santa Fun Run is the perfect event for everyone.  

This jolly event promises to be filled with laughter, joy, and a whole lot of red and white as participants run, walk or jog the 5km or 3km routes dressed as Santa. 

The Santa Fun Run is not only a fantastic opportunity to have a jolly good time with friends and family, but it also supports patients, staff and volunteers across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). 

You can fundraise for any ESNEFT hospital, ward, department or appeal that means the most to you! Whether it’s the Butterfly Appeal, Cancer Wellbeing Centre, the Children’s Departments, Staff Wellbeing or another area that’s closest to your heart, the choice is yours.  

Fundraising for the Butterfly Appeal is Maxine (Max) Last, clinical project lead for End of Life Care and line manager to the Butterfly Service at ESNEFT. Max is taking on the event in an alternative costume this year, 'The Holiday Armadillo' from the TV show Friends, for a cause close to her heart. Max said, “The Butterfly Appeal is extremely important to me as I am dedicated to improving care before, during and after death.” 

“Supporting End of Life Care through projects such as The Butterfly Appeal, is vital for those facing serious and life-limiting conditions, their families and carers - at both our acute and community hospital sites, but also within our communities across Suffolk and North Essex. I’m raising money to help our non-clinical Butterfly Service run long into the future, (with plans to develop and grow the service), whilst ensuring we minimise people dying alone across ESNEFT as the key priority” 

Joining the event are proud sponsors, Persimmon Homes, who will be on hand to reward participants at the finish line with snacks and a bespoke medal. Their volunteers will also be providing an encouraging cheer along the route.  

Richard Hush, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Essex, said: “Our local hospitals are at the very heart of our community and it is an honour to be able to support the work they do through our sponsorship of the Santa Fun Run.” 

“We are looking forward to being a part of this popular annual event, raising funds for this very worthy cause and also celebrating the staff who go the extra mile for their patients.” 

Fundraisers can enjoy an early bird discount throughout October. To register for the Santa Fun Run and find out more information about the event, please visit Santa Fun Run 2024 (colchesteripswichcharity.org.uk). What are you waiting for? Grab your friends, family, and colleagues, and get ready to make this year's Santa Fun Run the most memorable one yet!  

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Photo credit Adrian Ruston