The streets of Chelmsford will be awash with festive cheer next month as hundreds of Santas and elves gather for Farleigh Hospice's much-loved Santa Fun Run.
This family-friendly spectacle transforms Central Park into a vibrant sea of red and green on Sunday, December 7. Participants can choose to walk, jog, run, or propel themselves along the accessible 5km route, making it an inclusive event for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
Event Details and Festive Attire
Registration opens at 9.30am, with a lively warm-up scheduled for 10.30am before the run officially begins at 10.45am. Adding to the magic, all adult participants will receive an exclusive new Santa running top, while children get a complimentary elf hat. There's even a prize on offer for the best-dressed dog.
The primary goal of the jolly occasion is to collect sponsorship, raising much-needed money for Farleigh Hospice. This vital local charity provides compassionate, free care to adults across mid Essex who are facing life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for their families and bereavement counselling.
Running in Memory of Eric
Among the first to sign up and try on the new Santa tops were Paul Cox and his friends, including Steven Burton, Jordan French, and Ashley Bishop. Paul, who is also training for the 2026 London Marathon, is participating in memory of his father, Eric.
The group has set an ambitious target to raise £5,000 for the hospice in gratitude for the care Eric received. When Eric was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 85, Farleigh Hospice provided personal care at home during his final month, allowing Paul and his siblings precious family time.
"Farleigh Hospice’s care made the last month of Dad’s life much nicer," Paul said. "It’s a local charity that doesn’t charge for any of its services, which is phenomenal, so I’m fundraising for Farleigh to give something back."
As Eric's health declined, the hospice's rapid access service found him a place at a nearby nursing home where he spent his last days pain-free and with 24-hour care.
How You Can Get Involved
If you want to join Paul and the hundreds of other participants in this unforgettable festive event, you can sign up now at www.farleighhospice.org/santa.
For more information on the wide range of care and support services offered by Farleigh Hospice, visit www.farleighhospice.org/advice-support.
