Ho ho ho! ‘Tis the season to sign up for this year’s Pinner Santa Dash on Saturday, 9th December, in aid of St. Luke’s Hospice.
Next month, hundreds of people dressed as Santa — this writer included — are expected to take part in the annual five-kilometer dash to raise money for St. Luke’s, a local charity that provides specialist end-of-life and palliative care to people in Harrow and Brent.
Being part of a sea of red and white, hundreds of participants dress up as Santa to take to the streets of Pinner on a wave of cheer. It’s an unforgettable experience and a sight to behold. Children, adults, and dogs are all welcome for a 5K walk or run through the streets and scenic Pinner Park. Everyone can join in the fun on Saturday, 9th December, with registration open from 10am and the run kicking off at 11am, from Nower Hill School.
In the true spirit of Christmas, you’ll be giving a wonderful gift by taking part this year, as the Santa Dash is not just about running; it’s about coming together as a community to support a very worthy cause. Your support will help ensure that those with a life-limiting illness receive the best possible care. Last year’s event raised £18k for the Hospice, which could fund over 500 home care visits. This year there has been a hugely increased demand for this service.
The demand for St. Luke’s home care service has rocketed in 2023, as they now care for 70% more people than last year.
Participants dressed as Santa at the start of last year’s dash at Nower Hill High School Healthcare Assistant, Jacinta, explains, “It can become incredibly frustrating for patients when they can no longer do the simple things that you and I take for granted. This is why we carry out home care visits to help with personal care, showering, and ensuring patients get good nutritious food with dignity. Providing Hospice care in the familiar surroundings of peoples’ homes enables them to be around their family, but it can be very stressful caring for people with a terminal illness too.
“With my team’s practical support, families who have taken on the role of a carer at home can have the time to be a husband, wife, daughter, or son again. I give carers respite for a few hours to enable them to go out and have some time for themselves. When we tell patients that their care is free, it’s a huge relief for many people. Home visits to terminally ill people avoid having unnecessary hospital admissions too.”
The Santa Dash is a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit while making a real difference to the lives of those St. Luke’s cares for. The funds raised will help St. Luke’s rescue people at a time that feels impossible. You can help them give people respite, compassion, and essential care.
Sign up starts from £5, and Early Bird tickets are available until 30th November. As we approach Black Friday/Cyber Monday, we are also offering an additional 15% off ticket prices with the discount code BFCMSANTA15 (valid until 28th November).
To find out more or to register your place, please visit our website at www.stlukes-hospice.org/santadash, or you can email events@stlukes-hospice.org or call 020 8382 8000.
