Barnstaple college staff join the Santa Fun Run

Members of staff from Petroc in Barnstaple are the latest to sign up for North Devon Hospice's annual Santa Fun Run on Sunday December 9. Becky Mountford, Charlie Smith, Sarah Brown and Meryl Tanton (pictured) are all on board for the festive fundraiser, which involves a 5km run around the streets of Barnstaple in full Father Christmas regalia.

The college staff say they are game for a laugh and looking forward to the experience. "We can't wait to get going as it'll be lots of fun, and it will be great for everyone to see hundreds of Santas running through the streets," said Becky. "When we heard about the Santa Fun Run it sounded like a pretty unique experience, so we were keen to sign up. This will be the perfect way to get into the festive spirit and we hope that lots of other local people will join us - the more the merrier!"

The Santa Fun Run comprises a circular route of 5km, starting and finishing at Barnstaple Town Football Club on Mill Road, and raises much-needed funds for North Devon Hospice. According to Charlie, this was a big reason for the Petroc staff to sign up. "The local hospice is a cause close to our hearts because so many families have benefitted from the care they provide," she said. "It was really important for us to get involved and support a charity that does so much good work right here on our doorstep. North Devon Hospice rely on fundraising events like this in order to care for local people, so it's important that the community gets behind the Santa Fun Run to show their support. It'll be great fun and you'll be doing your bit for others this Christmas."

To sponsor the Petroc team for their Santa Fun Run, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/teams/petrocpuddings

Rebecca Worth, from North Devon Hospice's fundraising team, said: "We have seen more and more teams of colleagues enter the Santa Fun Run, it seems to be a nice fun day out for workmates in the run up to Christmas. The good thing is that the distance of 5km makes the event suitable for almost anybody, from those who want to put in a fast time to those who have never run 5km before. We have everybody from serious runners to pram-pushers and dog walkers! And everybody is there to enjoy themselves and support the work of the hospice. Every pound raised through this sponsored run will help North Devon Hospice care for local people affected by cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. Our care is provided at home as well as at the hospice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So if you want to do something to help others this Christmas, the Santa Fun Run is a great way to do it."

The 9th annual Santa Fun Run takes place on Sunday December 9 at Barnstaple Town Football Club on Mill Road. Enter online at www.santafunrun.co.uk, or call Rebecca on 01271 347204.