Hundreds of festive runners took to the streets dressed as Santa to raise money for a local hospice care charity.

Last week, the streets of Elvetham Heath in Fleet filled with festive spirit for Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Santa Fun Run.

Slightly fewer than 500 participants, including children, adults and even dogs, wore Santa T-shirts for the charity event, raising more than £14,000 for local hospice care.

Highlights included one runner in an inflatable dinosaur costume and another dressed as Buddy the Elf, while families pushed babies in buggies and pets ran alongside their owners. Sponsorship money is still being collected and the total is expected to rise.

The run, organised in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hart and supported by Elvetham Heath Parish Council, took place at a new venue this year, The Key in Fleet.

Runners could choose between a 5km route or a 2km route suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. As part of efforts to be more environmentally friendly, participants wore specially designed Santa T-shirts rather than traditional suits, along with festive hats.

Phyllis Tuckwell provides daily medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support for more than 250 patients, relatives and carers living with advanced or terminal illnesses. NHS and Government funding covers around 25 per cent of its costs, meaning the hospice must raise more than £25,000 every day.

Fiona Chapman, event fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell, said: “We’d like to thank everyone who took part, all the sponsors, and those who cheered on the runners.

“Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Hart, Elvetham Heath Parish Council, Blackwater Valley Runners, Paul Fitchett Images, and our sponsors NTT Data and Vale Furnishers.”

Phyllis Tuckwell has a full calendar of fundraising events planned for 2026, with every penny raised going towards supporting local hospice care and those who rely on its specialist services.