Cancer Care’s third annual Santa Dash and Reindeer Run will be taking place on December 4th this year, raising much needed awareness and funds for over 1,500 members of the local community who are affected by the illness.
The charity is hoping that this year’s event will be as successful as last year, which saw nearly 200 Santas and reindeer raise over £6,000. This year, Cancer Care are looking to the Lancaster University student body to spread some festive cheer and sign-up for the run.
Jade Flynn, Care Coordinator at Cancer Care said “this event is very much aimed at young people, with many from the local community already starting to sign up. Cancer affects people of all ages, so it’s important that young people recognise that events like this raise money for teens just like them.”
The dash is a flat route around the riverside path from Salt Ayre to the City Centre, approximately 1.5 miles long and suitable for all ages.
Jen Horsburgh, a member of the team at Cancer Care, told SCAN that “in the past we have seen Santas having three legged races, and one Santa on a mobility scooter being towed by a couple of trusty reindeer; at this event, anything really does go!”
As a charity, Cancer Care provides free care to those who are living with cancer, whether it is as a sufferer, a carer or a family member. Demand for these services increases year on year, and the annual Santa Dash and Reindeer Run ensures the charity can continue to provide for people in need.
The charity covers the North Lancashire and South Lakeland regions and is committed to providing support and services totally free of charge. Without the generosity of donors and events like the annual Santa Dash, it simply wouldn’t be possible to deliver these services, which cost over £1 million per year.
Luckily, support for the event is strong, with many local businesses getting involved in the cause.
Supporters of the event include Bay Radio, Market Gate Shopping Centre, St Nicholas Arcade, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Lancaster Runners Centre, highlighting the importance of the charity to the local community.
Bay Radio’s Danny Matthews, presenter of ‘The Bay Breakfast is encouraging people to “come and grab a red suit and join hundreds of Santas who’ll be running, walking and jingling their way around our city centre; help someone have a brighter New Year by supporting Cancer Care.”
For more information, or to register for the Santa Dash and Reindeer Run, visit: www.thesantadash.org.uk. Alternatively you can contact Cancer Care on: 01524 381820 or pick up a registration form from the Runners Centre in Lancaster.
