Hemel town centre turned red and white on Sunday, December 15 as 300 Santas on two and four legs brought the festive spirit to Riverside for The Hospice of St Francis’ 12th annual Santa Dash.
Spurred on by the newly re-elected Hemel MP, the Rt Hon Sir Mike Penning, the gaggle of Santas of all ages set off at 10am to walk, scoot or sprint the 2.5-mile dash, taking in the High Street and Gadebridge Park.
The speediest Santa was 12-year-old Billy Redman, from Hemel, who made in back in just 18 minutes.
Keen exerciser and retired police officer Andy Amos, 57, from Poet’s Chase, Gadebridge, returned for a second year running with grandchildren, twins Oscar and Thomas, seven, and Emily, nine and the biggest team was a 20-strong group of coaches, members and their families from Hemel-based Bury Judo Club, aged from five to 60 and led by coaches Ben Whittle, Roy Smith led and Csaba Kiraly.
Hospice Events Manager Claire Jones said: “Our huge thanks for the amazing support we’ve received over 12 years of Santa Dash not only from all our volunteers, marshals and nearly 300 Santas but also from Mike Penning, Riverside Shopping Centre and everyone else who contributed in any way. We couldn’t have done it without you.
“Please keep an eye on our website and social media to find out what we’re up to next in Hemel and throughout the community.”
The next hospice event are its New Year New You diet and dance challenges Biggest Loser and Strictly Learn Dancing.
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