Hundreds of Santa’s took to Colchester Castle Park for the Santa Fun Run, raising nearly £26,000 for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity!

On Sunday, December 3, Colchester Castle Park was transformed into a sea of red and white as over 300 fundraisers dressed in Santa suits, and braved wintery conditions for our annual Santa Fun Run. 

The event, organised by us, saw participants of all ages and abilities come together to raise funds for a number of good causes across East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. 

This significant amount will go towards vital projects and initiatives, helping to take care of patients, their families and staff in the local community.

Among the runners were members of Ada's Army, participating in recognition of the ongoing care 2-Year-Old Ada Brame has been receiving at Ipswich Hospitals Children’s Department for a rare genetic mutation disease called Aicardi-Goutirès Syndrome, which affects the brain, immune system, and skin.

Their fundraising efforts, currently standing at over £7,000, will contribute to the Children's Department's ongoing transformation and help fund indoor and outdoor sensory and play equipment, to reduce anxiety and create calming spaces to aide recovery for children just like Ada.  

Ada’s Mum Helen Crozier said, “We are so glad we could be part of the Santa Fun Run to show our sincere thanks. The staff are amazing and so are my family, I couldn’t have got through any of this without them - they are incredible. We couldn’t have asked for anybody better”. 

Cait Pilkington, our events manager, expressed her appreciation to everyone involved in making the Santa Fun Run a resounding success. She said, "We would like to extend our thanks to everyone that supported us including the participants, suppliers, and volunteers who made this event possible. 

“Their support and commitment has been truly inspiring. Together, they have made a significant difference to the lives of patients, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity." 

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce that plans for our 2024 events are already underway. With news of our upcoming challenges launching in the New Year. To stay updated on the latest news and upcoming events please sign up to receive our newsletter.

Photo credit Adrian Rushton Photography

Santa Fun Run photos taken by the charity  Santa Fun Run photos taken by Adrian Rushton Photography

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