Santa Claus is Running to Town for the North Devon Hospice in Barnstaple

Over a hundred Santas turned out today for the North Devon Hospice Santa Fun Run in Barnstaple.

Santas young and old, from fit and healthy to old and creaky gathered for the start at Barnstaple Town Football Club with their families, dogs and even a pony to support the work of the North Devon Hospice.

I spoke to Santa Michelle Forrest who was getting ready to run alongside her eleven year old son (Saint?) Nick and mother (Mother Christmas?) Avril Stevens.  She told me "The Hospice looked after my step mum.  They do really good work up there and everyone, even down to the cleaners, is really nice.  They were really good with Nick too and used to let him help in the kitchen with the cakes." 

Nick who came first in the children's fun run and went on to come in fifth, strides ahead of Mum and Gran, in the round town run told me he had raised £106 in sponsorship money for the Hospice. 

Rebecca Worth, fundraiser for the Hospice said "We are hoping to match the £8,000 we raised last year."

The runners, joggers and strollers were led through a warm up session before the run with Stuart from Floor One Fitness and James Chapple spinning the festive tunes.

Well done to everyone who ran, ho-ho-ho-ed and crawled around the town in their Santa costumes and those who sponsored them.  There are many, many local people who will be really grateful for your support of the North Devon Hospice.