Milton Keynes residents invited to take part in Santa Dash for charity

Willen Hospice charity’s annual Santa Dash takes place on Sunday December 13, which usually sees hundreds of people dressed in Santa suits ‘dashing’ around Willen Lake North.

This year, to comply with social distancing rules, the Willen Hospice events team will be posting out Santa suits for people to wear on a merry walk, run or jog from their own home – it doesn’t even have to be in Milton Keynes, so friends and family from all over the UK can take part.

Willen Hospice said it is facing a huge loss in income this year due to the impact Covid-19 has had on its fundraising activities.

Tracey Jago, events manager at Willen Hospice, said: “Our Santa Dash has become an annual favourite for many families, and although it’s a shame we can’t gather this year, it will still be a lot of fun.

“Whether your Dash is in memory of a loved one, a chance to do something fun as a family, or simply a change to your usual run, by taking part you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for families facing an incredibly tough Christmas, made even more difficult by COVID-19."

Tracy thanked Mercedes Benz and Brioche Pasquier UK for sponsoring this year’s event.

Places can be booked at www.willen-hospice.org.uk/santadash. Registration is £15 for adults including a Santa suit; £7.50 for a child’s Santa suit, or £5 for a Santa hat, and £2.50 for a Yappy Christmas dog bandana.

There will be a Santa Zoom call at 10am on the Sunday, but participants are welcome to dash at a time or day that suits them.