THE first of Phyllis Tuckwell’s festive Santa Fun Runs took place at Broadwater Park in Godalming. The location was a new one, having been added to the two which have been held in previous years, at the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Hindhead and Queens Avenue Playing Fields in Aldershot.

Despite the cold, the Godalming Fun Run saw over 60 fundraisers don their Santa suits, and Rudolph antlers and red noses, raising an estimated £5,500 for the Hospice Care charity.

There are still two Santa and Rudolph Fun Runs to go before Christmas, and everyone is welcome. People are invited to get friends and family to sponsor them, and run, walk or jog at whatever pace they feel comfortable with.

The money raised will help Phyllis Tuckwell provide the supportive and end-of-life care which it offers those facing cancer, or another serious progressive illness, in West Surrey and North East Hampshire.

Every day the Hospice Care charity supports over 250 patients and relatives in their own homes, at the Hospice in Farnham and at the Beacon Centre in Guildford. However, as the NHS/Government only covers 20 per cent of its costs, it has to raise over £15,000 a day to be able to do this.

The two remaining Fun Runs will take place at 11am on Saturday, December 12, at the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Hindhead, and Sunday, December 13, at Queens Avenue Playing Fields in Aldershot.

Visit www.pth.org.uk or call 01252 729446 to register. Fees are £14 for adults and £7 for children under 14, but they will be higher on the day, so it’s a good idea to book your place in advance. Registration includes a Santa suit for adults, reindeer antlers with a red nose for children, festive goodies and a medal for everyone who completes the course.