There was a festive sparkle in the air as little elves from Acorns Children’s Hospice made a surprise visit from Lapland to call on people to dress up as Santas and raise money for charity.
Taking time off from making toys, Santa’s little helpers are encouraging people to kick-start Christmas by signing up to Acorns Santa Run.
For the very first time the charity is ho-ho-hosting three festive fundraisers over one weekend in December to help fund its vital care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions.
This year Acorns Santa Runs are taking place at:
- Millennium Point, Birmingham, on Saturday 7 December
- Walsall Arboretum on Sunday 8 December
- The Valley Evesham on Sunday 8 December
Rachel Farrington, Acorns Events Officer, said: “We’re so grateful to Santa’s elves for taking time out of their busy schedule to come and help us find Santas for our Santa Run events.
“With three events taking place this December, this is our biggest year yet! We want as many people to sign up as possible and help support our work. All money raised through sponsorship will help local children and families.”
New for 2019 is an interactive festive trail which is fun for all the family on offer at all three locations. Those who want to challenge themselves can take part in a 5k run available at the Birmingham and Evesham events. There will also be the same great food and music, plus FREE family days out included.
Rachel added: “Acorns Santa Runs are a great way to kick start Christmas with the perfect mix of fun and festive magic.
“By signing up you’ll also be raising money for a brilliant cause, getting yourself firmly on Santa’s nice list.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice offers a network of specialist palliative care and support for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
In the past year Acorns has cared for over 780 children and more than 1,220 families, including those who are bereaved.
Tickets for Acorns Santa Run are priced £15 for adults (15+), £10 for little Santas (9-14 years) and little Elves (3-8 years). ‘Reindeer’ (dogs) are priced £5. Under 2s are free.
Tickets cover the cost of the event, but every pound raised in sponsorship goes directly to supporting local children and families. Tickets include free entry to a host of visitor attractions, including National Sea Life Birmingham and Thinktank.
To sign up for Acorns Santa Run, visit www.acorns.org.uk/santa-fun-run
ENDS
Photo caption: Little elves from Acorns Children’s Hospice are on the hunt for Santas for the charity’s biggest-ever festive fundraiser.
For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team:
David Chamberlain: 01564 825020 / 07817 612422 / david.chamberlain@acorns.org.uk
Nicki Robinson: 01564 825062 / 07814 302153 / nicki.robinson@acorns.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.
• It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing care for children and support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities.
• To find out more about Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk
