Father Christmas’s early visit supports charity fun run

WITH  just 27 days until Christmas Day, the big man himself made a special appearance outside Thame Town Hall on Wednesday morning (29/11), to help support Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity’s (FNHC) first Festive Fun Run, which will see crowds of Santas dashing through Thame High Street next Sunday,  December 7, at  10am.

Posing with Father Christmas, was the Mayor of Thame, Cllr Jeanette Matelot-Green, who will be setting off the 3k festive fun runners, joggers and walkers on the day, as well as members of Thame Lions Club and representatives from Thame Leisure Centre, who will be helping to limber up the crowd before the launch, and Charity staff.

“We are hugely grateful to Santa for taking time away from his busy workshop in the North Pole to come along and help promote our very first Festive Fun Run in Thame,” commented FNHC’s Karen Shardlow.  “Around 100 people have so far signed up to take on our pre-Christmas challenge, and there’s still time for more local businesses and the Thame community to really get behind our event, in partnership with Thame Lions and Thame Town Council.”

To register for this fun challenge, please visit www.fnhospice.org.uk and click on ‘Festive Fun Run’.  Entry costs £10 per adult, £7.50 per child and under twos go FREE. A specially priced family ticket of £30 for two adults, two children is also available. Registration prices include event entry, refreshments, a FREE Santa hat and medal on completion of the challenge. Prizes on the day will be awarded to the best-dressed entrants on the day.

Businesses including Kismet Jewellers, The Black Horse, Thamenews.net, Newitts of Thame,Wally’s Toy Shop and Thame Leisure Centre have all lent their support to the event by handing out flyers. Simply pop in to any of these locations, along with Thame Town Hall, to pick up a registration form.

 “We can’t wait to see all the costumes on the day,” added Karen. “So come and join us on this family fun, buggy friendly 3k route setting off from Thame Town Hall. Your support on the day will help ensure we can continue to fund local Hospice care on our doorstep for families affected by life-limiting illness.”

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity needs to raise over £600,000 each year to keep local Hospice services running.