Nearly 500 Santas were seen running along the seafront in Hove this weekend, all taking part in the Santa Dash in aid of Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.
This weekend saw the return of one of the highlights of the festive season in Sussex, the annual Santa Dash along Hove seafront. Despite being postponed due to the poor weather the weekend before, everyone came together to take part in the fun last Saturday.
This ever-popular festive event sees hundreds of Santas come together every December to run 5k in aid of Rockinghorse.
Nearly 500 people took part in the sponsored run starting on the seafront in Hove, heading West along the coast and then returning to the starting line to collect their medals.
Despite the cold weather, the intrepid Santas, young and old, brought smiles and festive cheer to passers-by and raised nearly £6000 so far for the charity with their combined efforts.
The race is organised by Commonwealth silver medalist runner, John Gladwin, and Rockinghorse Children’s Charity has been the main charity partner of the race since 2015.
John said: “The Santa Dash has been going for around 18 years now and we’re still getting great numbers of people. It’s fantastic that people keep coming along and supporting it.
“We don’t always get weather like this, and we couldn’t have wished for a better morning and we’re hoping we raise quite a few pounds for Rockinghorse!”
The money raised will go towards the Rockinghorse Christmas appeal which aims to bring Christmas to children and families spending time in hospital over the festive period.
Spending time in hospital over Christmas isn’t fun for anyone, but it’s even worse for children – not knowing if Father Christmas will know where to find them, not being able to enjoy Christmas at home with their family, not to mention being scared and worried about their treatment.
Amongst the runners this year was Brett Mendoza, the landlord from the Caxton Arms in Brighton, who was raising money for Rockinghorse after the care his twins Tilly and Theo have received at The Royal Alex and Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU).
He said, “So far this year I have done the Brighton Half, a skydive and the Santa Dash to raise money. Then in the New Year I am organising a charity football match with former professional players and celebrities to raise money for Rockinghorse.
“Helen and I just want to say a massive thank you to the hospital for the care they’ve given to Theo and Tilly. It’s wonderful to have such support for our two children.”
Brett’s wife Helen added, “Everyone has been more than incredible. The twins will likely spend more time in the hospital so knowing that help is there is brilliant.”
There was also a team of elves taking part from The Agora Clinic, headed by CEO Dr Carole Gilling-Smith, long-term supporters who were also raising funds for Rockinghorse.
Another runner, Kate Wilson, took part to raise money with her nine-year-old son Rory who spent the first two weeks of life in TMBU when he was born. And Rory is certainly cut out for running now; he was the first child to finish the main race.
Emma Henderson, Supporter Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse, really enjoyed seeing everyone come together to take part. She said, “The Santa Dash is such an iconic event and it’s always brilliant to see them all every December, especially all the children and families.
“Thanks to everyone who has taken part and especially to John Gladwin from Santa Dash Brighton for providing all the Santa Suits and medals again this year and to our wonderful volunteers who came along to help.”
Brett Mendoza with twins Tilly and Theo
Dr Carole Gilling-Smith with The Agora Clinic Elves
