Hartlepool & District Hospice

SANTAS GET SET FOR CHRISTMAS

Put runners in fancy dress and suddenly a run along the beach becomes ten times more fun.

This is certainly the case with the Santa Fun Run – watching over 200 Santa’s set off along the coast is a sight to behold.

The second annual Santa Fun Run is organised by Hartlepool and District Hospice to raise funds towards boosting the vital range of services the Hospice provide. These give local people living with a life limiting illnesses, such as cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the opportunity to get expert help with the medical, psychological, spiritual and social challenges they face.

The hospice are asking people to get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in the fun run which takes place Sunday 6th December 2009. Nearly 100 runners have already signed up to run, jog or walk the short course in their Santa suit.

The charity asks that those taking part in this event raise sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues to help them to continue with their valuable work.

This year's event will start and finish at Hornsey’s Bar, Seaton Carew, entry fee is £5 for adults which includes your Santa suit and FREE for under 16’s who each get a Santa hat on the day.

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Light up a Life this Christmas

Hartlepool and District Hospice have launched their annual remembrance campaign Light up a Life which gives people chance to celebrate the life of someone they love.

Each year the Hospice sends personal invitations to people to allow them to dedicate a light in memory of a loved one on the Hospice’s special Light up a Life Christmas tree. The tree is then illuminated in a special half hour tree lighting ceremony held this year on Saturday 5 December at 6:00pm at Hartlepool Maritime Experience.

Hilary Minter, Head of Therapeutic Support Services at the Hospice wrote to supporters to invite them to take part in this year’s event. Hilary said “I think it is important for me each year to join with the local community, which includes many people I come into contact with in my work, to take part in this special seasonal event.

"I know from personal experience that grief can be a very lonely experience and an occasion like this gives us all an opportunity to come together to reflect, remember our loved ones, and to celebrate their lives. It almost takes my breath away in the darkness as the lights on the tree are lit, each one dedicated to someone we love.”

Those who take part will receive a pin badge, personalised card and have the name of their loved one inscribed in the Book of Remembrance in return for their donation you.

For more information about Light up a Life and to take part please click here.