Hundreds of jolly Santas filled the streets of Elvetham Heath on Sunday 14th December, at Phyllis Tuckwell’s annual Santa Fun Run.
Caption: Photos courtesy of Paul Fitchett Images
Just under 500 adults and children took part in the new-look run, including one in an inflatable dinosaur suit and one dressed as Buddy the elf! Many came as a family, with babies being pushed along in buggies and dogs running beside their owners. They raised over £14,000 for local Hospice Care, with sponsorship money still coming in.
The run was held in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hart, and with the support of Elvetham Heath parish council. It took place in a new location this year, at The Key, in Elvetham Heath in Fleet, and participants could choose between a 5k route and a 2k option which was accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Instead of the usual Santa suits, those who took part were each given a Santa t-shirt to wear, which looks like a suit but is easier to run in and can be re-worn when participants come back next year, making it much more environmentally friendly. They were also given a Santa hat to complete their festive look.
Every day, Phyllis Tuckwell provides medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support for over 250 patients, relatives and carers who are living with an advanced or terminal illness such as cancer. However, as the NHS/Government only cover around 25% of its costs, it has to raise over £25,000 every single day to do this.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part in this fantastic festive fun run, and all those who sponsored them and came along to cheer them on,” said Fiona Chapman, event fundraiser at Phyllis Tuckwell. “We’d also like to thank the Rotary Club of Hart for partnering with us on this event, Elvetham Heath parish council for supporting the event, Blackwater Valley Runners for their continued support before the event and on the day, and Paul Fitchett from Paul Fitchett Images for taking photos. Our thanks also go to NTT Data and Vale Furnishers who not only sponsored the event but also had teams taking part.
Phyllis Tuckwell has lots more fundraising events planned for 2026. See what takes your fancy and sign up now! Every penny you raise will go directly towards helping fund local Hospice Care for people who really need Phyllis Tuckwell’s specialist support.
All our services are free, but this is only possible due to the generosity of our amazing community. The Government/NHS only provide 25% of our costs, so we need to raise over £25,000 every day to provide our vital services.
Please donate what you can to help keep hospice care available to all those in our community who need us.
