A new date has been revealed for the Southport Santa Sprint for Queenscourt Hospice.
The popular annual event, one of the biggest fundraising events for the charity, was originally due to take place last Sunday (11th December) but had to be cancelled the day before due to freezing weather and icy conditions.
The event will now take place on Sunday, 8th January 2023, with people able to sign up and take part on the queenscourt.org.uk website
Silcock’s, a local family-owned business which is a huge supporter of Queenscourt, is once again sponsoring the event on Sunday 11th December.
The firm is donating £1,000 to the hospice through the Santa Sprint, which sees hundreds of runners start the race directly outside Silcock’s Funland, Carousel and Pier Family Restaurant.
Silcock’s will be offering free tea or coffee to anyone taking part, as well as allowing them to enjoy bacon barms for just £1 each – as well as a free ride on the famous Silcock’s Carousel.
A Queenscourt Hospice spokesperson said: “It was hugely disappointing to postpone our Santa Sprint Event on Sunday 11th December, due to the bad weather conditions, as we really missed seeing all of our lovely Santas at this special event.
“We are therefore delighted to announce that the Santa Sprint will return on Sunday 8th January 2023, to bring a bit of festive cheer into the New Year!
“All timings and routes will remain the same and we hope that you will be able to make the new date.
“Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank you so much for your continuing support and understanding.
“Any updates and further information will be posted on our website, across our social media platforms, and sent via email, so please check your inbox.
“We look forward to seeing you on Sunday 8th January and in the meantime may we wish you all a very Merry Christmas.”
Silcock’s Operations Manager Serena Silcock-Prince said: “The Queenscourt Hospice Santa Sprint is a fabulous event for Southport! It really does bring everyone together.
“It looks great with everyone in Santa suits gathering outside Silcock’s Funland and Carousel before setting off on their challenge. It’s a real spectacle!
“We’ve sponsored the Santa dash for 10 years already. This will be our 11th year!
“As well as donating £1,000 to Queenscourt we cover the printing costs for the event as well as offering a free tea or coffee for every Santa and a discounted offer of just £1 for a bacon butty.
“This year we have decided to give a free carousel ride to every Santa too.
“The Santa Sprint is very accessible. It is open to everyone, young or old, of all abilities.
“People can walk, they can run, they can bring their dogs!
“It’s a real community event that just brings everyone together.”
As well as being a fun event, the Santa Sprint has a serious message too. It is a major fundraiser for Queenscourt Hospice, which cares for around 2,000 local families in the West Lancashire, Southport and Formby area every year. Only a fifth of its funding comes from the NHS.
The race starts at 11am on Sunday, 8th January 2023.
Taking part costs £20 for adults, £10 for under 16s or £50 for a family of two adults and two children. Your Santa Sprint registration covers the cost of the event and your Santa suit.
Find out more and secure your place by visiting: https://lnkd.in/equc5UW
Once again there will be both a 3K and 5K route for you to walk, jog or run. The route, which starts and finishes at Silcock’s Funland, is also suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.
Each participant will be given a Santa suit to wear and you will also receive a medal. There will be a complimentary drink for each participant courtesy of Silcock’s Leisure Group.
This is a sponsored event and participants are kindly requested to have a minimum sponsorship of £30 for adults, £15 for under 16s.
For more details contact 01704 517420 or email: fundraising@queenscourt.org.uk
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