Arthur Rank Hospice Charity invites you to raise festive cheer in your neighbourhood on Sunday 28 November, by taking part in their family-friendly Festive Run, sponsored by Price Bailey and Busy Bee Recruitment!
Participants are being encouraged to do their best (or worst!) in Christmassy fancy dress as they run, walk, wheel or scoot 5 or 10km around their neighbourhood. Already signed up are Soham Running Club who will sprint around the town dazzling residents in their Santa hats, the ‘Merry Hinton Gang’, and team ‘Rum Rum Rudolph’ from Ely.
Teams can either take part as individuals in different places, or together in one group, and because you chose your own route and method of transport (feet, wheelchair, recumbent bike, pushchair) the route can be as accessible and inclusive as you need it to be.
In previous years the well-loved event has seen rotund puddings, sparkly fairies, crinkly crackers, prancing reindeers and rosy-faced elves, pound the pavements as they raise vital funds for the Hospice’s frontline services.
No matter the time of year, the Hospice’s vital support is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Supporter David Pollard explains why he is taking part for the first time this year:
“I wanted to run this year as I lost my father to cancer earlier in the year. During his illness he had two separate stays in the Inpatient Unit in Cambridge. On both occasions the care and support both he and we as a family received was nothing short of amazing. The pandemic was still happening, but there were still options for us to visit, no matter the time, so we could still spend vital time with him in his last days.
I have and will continue to have nothing but the greatest respect and only the kindest of words to say about the Hospice and all of the amazing staff, and what they were able do for me and my family at a time of great loss.”
Angeline Liles Events Officer at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity adds:
“We’re thrilled that anyone, who is anywhere, and of any ability, will be able to take part in our Festive Run once again. Last year runners had great support on the day, not only from neighbours and passers-by cheering them on, but also through the incredible amounts of sponsorship they raised thanks to generous friends, family and colleagues.
We can’t wait to see everyone’s photos on the day, and we will no doubt be impressed once again by the festive fancy dress efforts (there will be prizes)! There was a real buzz on social media last year, and we’ve got some special treats in store to make this year even bigger and better: if you haven’t signed up yet, you’ll want to get online and do it soon!”
As a special treat – “Oh no they didn’t!”, “Oh yes they did!!” – anyone who raises £200 before the event will be entered into a draw to win four tickets to Aladdin, the Cambridge Arts Theatre’s pantomime!
Register before 21 November at arhc.org.uk/festiverun to get your runner pack, which includes a Santa hat, tips and treats to keep you going! Or call the Charity’s events team on 01223 675888. Places are £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16.
