Christmas fun raises £35k at Santa Dash

More than 1,800 Santas took to the prom on Sunday for a dash which has raised £35,000 for Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Blackpool Santa Dash returned to the resort at the weekend, where participants were given a free Santa outfit for a 3km run, walk or jog up to promenade and back, all in the name of charity.

The event was full of festive cheer, and those hoping for a white Christmas were even treated to a spot of snow foam just before the race started.

With sponsor money still coming in, event organisers at Brian House say they are expecting Santa Dash to have raised an incredible £35,000 which will be spent providing outstanding hospice care to poorly children on the Fylde coast.

Events Fundraiser, Danny Hickes said: “Santa Dash is a firm favourite on the Fylde coast, officially kick-starting the festive season for many people.

“It is always wonderful to see Blackpool’s famous promenade transformed into a sea of red as hundreds of Santas and many dogs take part in this event, all supporting the only children’s hospice on the Fylde coast.

“We are always so grateful to the incredible people who take part in their event and raise sponsorship so we can provide vital support to our area’s most fragile children and their families.

“Some of our Brian House families took part, and we know how much it meant to them to see so many people having fun while raising money for our charity – their lifeline.”

New for this year, three lucky dashers won a cash prize and five won a £50 Smyths Toys voucher courtesy of event sponsor, The Kentown Wizard Foundation.

Danny added: “We are so lucky to have our incredible friends at Kentown Wizard – we know they made a few people’s Christmas at the event. A huge thanks to them, and to the amazing volunteers who gave their time so we could put on this fantastic family event.”

Central Radio was there cheering on dash'ers and you can see our photos on our Facebook page: