Former cricketer to kick off Northwood Santa Dash

Ex-England cricketer Angus Fraser will kick off this year’s Santa Dash, which will take place on December 7. The infamous annual event which takes place in Northwood, sees scores of residents don Santa suits for a brisk run to raise money for Michael Sobell Hospice, the specialist palliative care centre at Mount Vernon Hospital. Last year more than 110 people joined pantomime stalwart Christopher Biggins for the event, which raised thousands for the hospice. This year Angus Fraser, who played in 46 Test matches for England, will start the event from Northwood Methodist Church at 11am with entrants once again ‘dashing’ the one mile route to Michael Sobell Hospice. There festive fayre will be held until 4pm, where an array of seasonal gifts will be on sale, including leather goods, handmade jewellery and handcrafted cards along with delicious home-made cakes, pastries and hot drinks. On the day music will be provided by Ruislip Round Table. The fayre will feature entertainment for children, including a Santa’s Grotto for those three to eight years (at a small extra fee) where every child will receive a gift.  Kids can also visit the Little Elves Craft Workshop (at a small extra fee) where there will be a story corner, colouring, and Christmas novelty making. Registration for the one mile dash is £10 for adults, which includes a Santa costume, and £5 for under 16s who will receive a novelty item to wear on the day. On the day, registration will start at 10.15am at Northwood Methodist Church, Oaklands Gate, Northwood, HA6 3AA. To sign up to the event log on to http://www.michaelsobellhospice.co.uk/events or call Trish on 01923 8444726.