Chester Santa Dash returning to city for 13th year this Christmas

Hundreds of Santas will once again descend on the streets of Chester next month for the city’s iconic Santa Dash, which raises money for two vital local charities.

Families, adults and children of all ages will be dressing up as Santa on Sunday, December 3, to walk, jog and stroll 3.2km through Chester city centre in aid of The Countess Charity and The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.

More than 1,400 Santas have already signed up for the annual event, and this year, as well as fundraising for the Blue Skies Balcony Appeal, it is hoped enough money will be raised to create an outdoor garden balcony for patients in the Countess Intensive Care Unit, whose recovery would benefit instrumentally from being wheeled outside in the fresh air.

The Chester Santa Dash, which is sponsored by Medicash, has been a festive tradition in the city for the past 13 years, with the two-hour route encompassing the city’s best known landmarks, such as the Groves, Grosvenor Park, the Ampitheatre, the Eastgate Clock and the Cathedral. 

Angie Lopez, Interim Head of Fundraising for the Countess Charity said:

“Both The Countess and Hospice charities treat and care for our local community when they are sometimes at their lowest point and need our services most, so the eagerness to support from the local community and the continued sponsorship from Medicash, is much appreciated and demonstrates the reciprocal relationships that we have with our supporters. Please support us in our quest to provide the very best for our patients.”

Caroline Siddall, Director of Income from the Hospice of the Good Shepherd added:

“For over 30 years, the Hospice of the Good Shepherd has provided end of life care to patients living with life limiting conditions from Chester, West Cheshire and Ellesmere Port. 

“They provide a 10 bedded in-patient unit, a Living Well Centre which provides day support to help patients maintain their independence and to stay at home longer as well as support for carers, family and friends. 

The Hospice also runs “Reflect”  which provides bereavement support to children across the catchment area whether or not the death of their loved one was connected to the Hospice.”

And Andy Abernethy, Head of Marketing at Medicash explained:  “With our focus on improving access to great healthcare, the Chester Santa Dash is a cause that’s really close to our hearts. We’re delighted to support this incredible event as the title sponsor once again this year.

“We can’t wait to see the hundreds of Santas getting fit and heading out through the streets of Chester to raise money for these extraordinary charities. As an iconic, family-focused event, the Dash is set to be an unmissable part of the run-up to Christmas.”

• To sign up to take part in this year’s Santa Dash and support two well respected local charities please register at www.chestersantadash.com or call The Hospice on 01244 851851 for a registration form.