Supporters of all ages donned Santa suits for a festive fun day at Pitsea’s Wat Tyler Park, raising vital funds for an Essex children’s hospice.
The event was held in aid of Little Havens in Thundersley, which provides specialist care for babies, children and young people living with incurable conditions.
Breeze Love Songs’ David Baker co-hosted the event with Radio Essex’s Su Harrison, praising it as “incredible”.
David said: “So many turned up to support the cause, even a 92-year-old gentleman took part!
“There were lots of doggies, too, in both the main Santa run and the Doggy Dash.
“Thank you so much to everyone who came along.”
Little Havens service user Jack, 10, and his father Rob announced the start of the fun run, before completing it himself. Jack was born with two rare and life-limiting conditions and is one of many children who rely on the charity for specialist care.
Along with a two-kilometre or four-kilometre Santa fun run, visitors browsed a variety of stalls at the Christmas Market. Meanwhile, Father Christmas handed out gifts in his grotto.
Susie May, Events Fundraiser at Havens Hospices, said: “On behalf of everybody at Little Havens, we’d like to thank every single Santa and reindeer who took part and helped us get into the Christmas spirit this weekend, while raising money for their local children’s hospice.
“The event was a great success, with people of all ages and abilities, including babies in their buggies and people in their 90s, enjoying the Christmassy atmosphere together.”
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