Central Park full of festive colour for Farleigh

This year's Santa Fun Run was bigger and better than ever!

Adults who signed up were given a Santa suit and children received a Santa hat. Many took part with their dogs. The prize for the best-dressed was awarded to Jake, a French Bulldog, who was there for the eighth year with owner Jackie Stretton in a very special sleigh as he is not able to run anymore.

The event began with a Zumba warm-up, led by Chloe Martinez from Townsend Twins Fitness and Lindsey Abbott from Shimmy ‘n’ Groove Fitness. Then the marching band from King Edward VI Grammar School played some festive tunes as the Santas set off to walk, jog, run or propel themselves along the 5km route. The rain showers did not deter them and they enjoyed a festive cookie from Days Bakery after they crossed the finish line.

Simon Knightbridge from Brentwood was the first home, shortly followed by his daughter Jemimah who was third to finish. Simon said, “This was our first Santa Fun Run. We have a friend who has been cared for by Farleigh Hospice so there are a group of us here today. Farleigh is a great charity that does an excellent job.”

The McBurnett family took part and were cheered on by Iben Sihm who had travelled all the way from Denmark for the event. Bodil McBurnett said, “It’s our first Santa Fun Run and it was brilliant. So many Santas together in the park was an amazing sight and it was great fun – absolutely hilarious! We would 100% do it again.”

We provide care and support, free of charge, to people affected by life-limiting illnesses and bereavement at our hospice building in Chelmsford and in patients’ homes across mid Essex. We rely on public support through donations, fundraising and sponsored events like Santa Fun Run so it can continue to provide its much-needed services.

Gary Everson and his therapy dog, Oscar, were part of a large group of about 15 golden retrievers and their owners who had collected money for Farleigh. His wife, Sam, had end of life care in the our inpatient unit last year.

He said, “The care and compassion we received from everyone at Farleigh was amazing. Now I take Oscar into the hospice to bring smiles to the patients and staff. It’s a nice way to give something back.”

With almost twice as many Santa’s taking part than in 2023, Farleigh’s fundraising team are delighted that there has been so much support this year.

Debbie de Boltz, our Head of Fundraising, said, “A big thank you to the hundreds of people of all ages who joined us to make our Santa Fun Run such a joyful event! It was fantastic to see so many in Santa suits, along with others donning festive outfits. The sight of pushchairs transformed into sleighs and our four-legged friends in their Christmas best added to the magic of the day.

“Christmas is a time for giving, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has raised sponsorship or made a donation to Farleigh Hospice. We’re thrilled to announce that the event has already raised over £21,000, with more sponsorship still coming in. This kind generosity means this charity can continue giving specialist care and support to those in our local community who rely on our services.”

If you would like to join the mailing list to hear about Farleigh's 2025 events, please email fundraising@farleighhispice.org

To see all the photos from the event, visit our Facebook photo album HERE