Festive Fun Runs!

Running Father Christmas faces the freeze!

Charity fundraisers are a strong and dedicated bunch and that can do spirit was in evidence on Sunday 11 December as hundreds of Princess Alice Hospice supporters faced winds, drizzle and low temperatures and turned Old Deer Park, Richmond red! The event had a bit of celebrity sparkle as well known runner, model and TV presenter Nell McAndrew took part, this followed the wonderful comedian Rob Brydon watching the Santa fun runners at Bushy Park on December 4.

The very chilly day did not cool the spirits of supporters, staff and volunteers who made the charity’s annual Santa Fun Run a great success. Many families use the event as a way of supporting the charity, having fun and most importantly for them celebrating the life of and remembering their loved one who received care from the Hospice.

The event saw three generations of the Bishop family doing just that, they took part to celebrate the life and remember Cliff Bishop, husband, father and grandfather and so far have raised over £400.

Clare Bishop said

‘Dad is missed every minute of every day and the thing that keeps us going is that he would have wanted us to try and get on and enjoy our lives as that was what he was all about. Christmas was very important to dad and it was a time for family. We are keeping his memory alive by taking part in a fun event that dad would have enjoyed for a cause close to our hearts. We wanted to run and remember the wonderful Christmas's we had with Dad particularly when we went to Menorca as a family in 2002.  That year my Brother, Dan and Dad went swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, they froze but loved it!  In addition, we went as a family to New York in 2007 and spent Christmas Day at Central Park Zoo before a wonderful meal together.  They are special memories that we will treasure forever’.

The Bishops were amongst hundreds of men, women, children and quite a few energetic dogs - complete with Santa suits - that ran, jogged and walked their way around the course.  There were some super charged children runners who beat many of the adults, the second person to cross the line in the fastest time was 10 year old Dylan Bryant who completed the course in an amazing 22 minutes and 30 seconds, the fastest female runner back was 13 year year, Katalynna Vicera from Hounslow.

The fastest man across the line was Alan Ezen, from The Gym, Kingston upon Thames (19 mins 27 Secs). Alan must love running as he ran in the morning and afternoon events, having run 13 miles on the Saturday as part of his marathon training. The fastest adult female was Susan Hare (26 mins 46 secs).

Joining the run and entering a very large team were members of The Philippine Centre, Hounslow – including a member who has flown into the UK that morning from Sri Lanka - and a group from The Gym, Kingston upon Thames that led the warm up for the two races.

Another large group from www.elasticband.org took part in the run and subsequently entertained the crowd with Christmas tunes, the festive music, Santas Grotto complete with elves and a toy lucky dip made sure all the families had a day of festive fun.

By Friday 9 December, participants across the Bushy Park event and the two Old Deer Park, Richmond, runs had pledged over £12,000 sponsorship to the Hospice. So far on justgiving pages alone over £17,000 has been raised.

For further information about other Hospice events such Sky Dives, Abseil, the annual Towpath Trundle and Midnight walks, please contact 01372 461869 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.pah.org.uk