THE Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) Santa’s on the Run event will take place in Launceston on Sunday, December 11, and for the first time in Holsworthy on December 2, and the entries are pouring in.

Santas on the Run is a 2km sponsored fun run where Santas can run, jog or walk the route and the event is suitable for all ages to take part in including little ones in buggies.

The event is being held to raise vital funds for CHSW, which offers care and support to children suffering with life limiting or life threatening illnesses and their families. This support is given through short breaks at the charity’s Little Harbour hospice in St Austell, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and Charlton Farm near Bristol. The hospices also provide respite, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement support and are a lifeline to families. They offer a home from home environment where families can forget their worries and just concentrate on making precious memories while having a break in a place with expert medical and emotional support for the whole family.

Kiley Tellam, events fundraiser for CHSW said: “By taking part in Santas on the Run with your family and all working together to raise some sponsorship this will mean that at Children’s Hospice South West we can continue to provide care and support to very poorly children and their families from the local community and give them the opportunity to make some really special memories together which they will treasure forever. We are really looking forward to a day of festive fun and hope you will join us!”

If you would like to sign up for Santas on the Run in Launceston or Holsworthy visit www.chsw.org.uk/santas registration for an adult is £15, for children is £7.50 and under 2s go free, there is also a family price of £37.50 for two adults and two children. If you have any queries about the event call Little Harbour on 01726 871800.

Santas on the Run was absent from Launceston last year.

Dave Gordon, who is helping the CHSW to put the event on in Launceston this year, said: “We really need to get behind this event and get as many people dressed as Santa to enter. This is not a race, it is more of a seasonal social run, at the same time as helping this great charity.

“I hope we get a good turnout for the run this year, it’s a lovely event and really great to see all the Santa’s streaming along our streets.”

The race will begin in Launceston at the Castle Green at 11am, from their entrants will head up to Dunheved Road, turn left onto Windmill Hill before running down the other side and turning right into Westgate Street. The run will then take people through the Square, down High Street, into Castle Street before finishing back on the Castle Green.

All entries, including the family dog, will receive a Santa medal, along with some festive treats.

Entries and registration will be open in the town hall from 9am, offering changing and toilet facilities. It is hoped to have a pre start warm up in the town hall before entries make their way to the Castle Green for the start.

This year Santa will be in the town hall after the run to say hello to all the children who entered, with all children receiving a gift, all they have to do is show Santa their running number. There will also be tea and coffee for the adults too when they return.