Sporting stars from Worcestershire County Cricket Club are kick-starting Christmas next week by joining a local charity’s famous festive fundraiser.
A team of 18 players and club staff will be among the supporters dashing all the way for Acorns Children’s Hospice by taking part in Santa’s Star Dash.
Leading the pack will be Club Captain Joe Leach, who is joining the free virtual event on Monday 7 December alongside teammates and coaching staff.
Joe said: “It’s great to be getting involved again with Acorns to help raise awareness and funds for what is an absolutely brilliant cause.
“The players and some of the coaching staff are really looking forward to pulling on their Santa suits next week and getting running again.”
Running until 14 December, Acorns free Santa’s Star Dash calls on the public to run, walk or jog their own 1, 5 and 12km routes, clocking up enough miles (4,173km to be exact) to return the North Star to the North Pole so it can guide Santa as he delivers all of his presents on Christmas Eve.
After selecting their preferred distance, participants can complete the challenge all in one go or over several days. Those who raise £10 will receive a Santa outfit, with elf costumes for little ones, a medal and a certificate from Santa himself.
Kate McMahon, Events Coordinator at Acorns, said: “We’re thrilled to have Worcestershire County Cricket Club on board for Santa’s Star Dash and we hope County fans will join them and get behind this festive fundraiser by completing their own dashes.
“It was lovely to welcome players to our hospice in Worcester last December. Sadly, Covid-19 means we can’t do the same this year. But by taking part in Santa’s Star Dash, the Club is still spreading festive cheer by supporting local children and families.”
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life-threatening conditions, as well as support for their families.
The charity has been at the forefront in the battle against coronavirus, supporting some of the most vulnerable families as well as the wider emergency response of the NHS and social care system.
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 sign up to Santa’s Star Dash or for more information, please visit www.acorns.org.uk/santastardash
