Santa’s fill the streets for charity run

Race report: Santathon - Dagenham, Sunday December 4, 2011

A wave of red filled the streets as people dressed as Father Christmas joined in a sponsored charity Santathon run.

Around 200 children and adults dressed as Santa showed their festive spirit and took part in the 5km Santathon to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice in Havering and Leukaemia Care on Sunday 4th December.

The runners were set on their way from Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club by the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham Councillor Milton McKenzie MBE and it is hoped their efforts have raised around £10,000 for Saint Francis Hospice, which provides care and support, free of charge, to people affected by cancer, dementia, renal failure and other life-limiting illness who in live in the boroughs of Brentwood, Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge.

The first man home was Stephen Philcox in 17.34 and the first man home for Saint Francis Hospice was Nigel Swinburne in 17 mins 44 seconds and he runs with Dagenham 88 Runners.

First woman to return was Jennifer Akroyd in 23mins35seconds. She was running for Saint Francis Hospice and is a member of Dagenham 88 Runners.

Hospice spokesperson Clare Campbell said: “It was great to see so many Santa’s young and old come together for the Santathon . There were even a few dogs. Thank you to everyone who supported Saint Francis Hospice. Our care touches the lives of many people, but only thanks to the generosity of the community who help raise the £7.2 million the charity required this year to provide its vital care to those who need it.”

To learn more about Saint Francis Hospice, how you can support the charity or other running and fundraising events please visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 753319.

Men's results

Women's results

First junior boy was Joe Maslen in 25.22 and first junior girl was Nicole Embery in 33.38