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On Sunday 8th December 2024, over a thousand Santas braved Storm Darragh to take part in the 15th Oakhaven ‘Santa Dash’, which, so far, has raised over £20,000 for the charity, with sponsorship still being sent in.

Oakhaven Hospice’s much-loved festive fundraiser is known by many as the ‘unofficial start of Christmas in Lymington’. Whether dressing up and taking part or cheering on the Santas as they dash past, Oakhaven’s fun run puts a smile on everyone’s faces, come rain or shine - or high winds!

The 3km festive fun run around the streets of Lymington started and finished in the High Street, outside the event’s headline sponsor, John D Wood & Co.

Before the race, all the Santas gathered on Lymington High Street for a warm-up led by ‘Chief Elf’ Rob Mangles of The Gym Tin - a sea of red suits and hats stretching as far as the eye could see!

Rob gave a fun-filled commentary for spectators throughout the race, with plenty of festive jokes and high-fives for the Santas as they crossed the finish line and collected their medals. Congratulations to this year’s winning Santa, Harry Forsyth, aged 15.

Meanwhile, those unable to make it out to watch the event in person enjoyed following the Santa Dash live on Facebook (find it on Oakhaven’s Facebook page if you missed it!)

Laura Eastwood, Director of Fundraising at Oakhaven Hospice, said: “We were absolutely delighted that so many Santas and festive friends joined us for Santa Dash. It was great to see so many happy faces as everyone dashed, scooted, jogged and walked around town.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported the event - including everyone who took part, everyone who donated, our ‘Elf’ - Rob of The Gym Tin - for doing the warm-up and commentary, all our wonderful volunteer route marshalls and all the supporters who lined the streets to cheer on the Santas.

“In particular, we would like to thank our event sponsors, whose financial assistance helped to cover the costs of the event: our Headline Sponsor, John D Wood & Co, who has supported Santa Dash for many years, as well as our Medal Sponsor New Forest Ice Cream and our Santa Suit sponsor Scott Bailey LLP.”

Oakhaven provides palliative and end-of-life care for patients and support for their loved ones, free of charge, at the hospice and in homes throughout our New Forest, Totton and Waterside communities - currently over 400 people at any time. In addition, thousands of local people receive support and guidance from Oakhaven Wellbeing at the Coates Centre, following the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, whilst caring for a loved one, and in bereavement.

All funds raised by the Santa Dash will help to fund Oakhaven’s day-to-day running costs, which last year amounted to £8 million and are forecast to be higher next year following the increases to employer NIC in the Budget. With a mere 11% of funding covered by the NHS, your local hospice relies on kind donations, fundraising, gifts in wills and income from its charity shops and home care provider, Oakhaven Care Ltd, to cover the remaining 89% of costs.

Every penny you donate helps Oakhaven to make every moment matter for local families. To donate please visit oakhavenhospice.co.uk/how-to-donate

If you know someone affected by a life-limiting illness, who is a carer, or who is living with a loss, support is available at the Coates Centre. Visit oakhavenhospice.co.uk/wellbeing for more information.