Local fundraisers for St Luke’s Hospice in Harrow have raised an incredible sum for the charity after the 2021 ‘Santa Dash’.
This year Angela, her daughter Lisa, and their friends have raised an amazing £12,160 for St Luke’s. That is 50% of all funds raised for the event this year!
Angela began doing Santa Dash when St Luke’s Hospice held the very first one back in 2010, she now runs with a team of friends every year including two regular team members who come over from County Mayo in Ireland especially to continue their support of the team efforts.
Her journey with the Hospice began 23 years ago after she lost her husband when he was very young aged just 33. At his funeral, all proceeds raised were donated to St Luke’s Hospice – this began her longstanding relationship with the fundraising work.
Her team grew after an initial group attended and took part in the inaugural Santa Dash, after which they all went to have a social in the local pub.
Still dressed up, they attracted a bit of attention and managed to have an informal whip round in a beer mug which generated £100.
The team have previously raised around £5-£6K each year with an organised team of 20 regular dashers who all pay their registration fee and raise sponsorship through their work colleagues, then celebrate with a meal together after the dash. The team have 2 minivans and drivers who collect the team and take them on a “pub crawl”.
The chaps also donate their vans and their time to the cause. With official collection buckets they drive around to visit all the local Irish pubs and the clientele who generously give to the buckets.
All of the team members speak highly about St Luke’s and the quality of the care and support provided, many of whom have first-hand experience of the work of St Luke’s Hospice.
