MORE than 300 runners dressed as Santas and penguins took part in the Ho Ho Hospice race at Tonbridge School on November 26 to raise funds for the Hospice in the Weald.
The 5km fundraising run is in its second year, and organiser Matt Hobson said: “The event was a wonderful success.
“It was great to see so many people from the community we serve joining with families and friends to support their local hospice whilst having so much fun. The atmosphere was amazing.
“Huge thanks goes to the event sponsor Fidelity International and Tonbridge School Centre for letting us host the event on their grounds.
“Thanks also to Adventure Dogs Productions and Rose Bainbridge Photography for their support, as well as all of our staff and volunteers who gave up their time to help at the event.”
At the finish line runners received a certificate along with mulled wine and mince pies.
Sarah Raine, who took part, said: “It was such a fun day out for my family. My children, aged 15, 12 and 6, all enjoyed the day so much. The costumes were incredible, and we were not only surrounded by other families of all ages but dogs, too!”
Rob Woolley, Chief Executive of Hospice in the Weald, said: “For many of the patients and families who are currently being cared for by Hospice in the Weald, this Christmas is likely to be the last they spend together.
“Nurses will be going out to visit patients in their own homes on Christmas Day.
“The Counselling Support Service will provide psychological and emotional support to patients and their families.
“And our own catering team will be laying on a superb lunch for every patient and visitor in the hospice on Christmas Day.
“Each and every one of us at Hospice in the Weald will aim to ensure that, at what can be a very difficult time for patients and their relatives, the memories will be rewarding ones.”
