A STAMPEDE of Santas and fairies stormed the village of Winsley to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice as part of the charity’s sponsored run.

Over 200 runners dressed in their festive garb on Sunday (December 4) to take part in the annual Dorothy House Santa and Fairy 5km Fun Run. Blessed with good weather, the runners congregated at the hospice site in Winsley before speeding off around the grounds.

Dorothy House Hospice Care, events fundraiser, Emily Knight said; “It was a fantastic day with such a great atmosphere. We are delighted that over double the number of runners joined in the fun run this year than took part in our 2015 Santa Dash. I'd like to say a big thank you and well done to everyone who helped or took part and we hope to see you all again next year.”

Before the run the crowd were warmed up by an exercise session led by Katie Chappell and Rodney the Reindeer from Castle Place Gym and Fitness Centre in Trowbridge.

Jo Carp, a physio from TRS Physio in Trowbridge and a keen supporter of Dorothy House Hospice Care, said: “I ran as part of Team Jo in a group of nine ladies who ran the race together in memory of our very special friend, Jo Wickens, who died recently and previously worked at the Hospice. Dorothy House looked after Jo beautifully and we all wanted to show our gratitude to the staff by raising money for the Hospice and to do something positive to remember Jo and her amazing life and character.”

All of the runners raised a minimum of £40 in sponsorship for the charity to help support the work Dorothy House has been doing over the past 40 years. The fun run is expected to have raised over £12,000 to support patients, families and carers across the 700 square mile area which is covered by the hospice’s care.

Michelle Radford, from Trowbridge, who ran in the Santa & Fairy Fun Run for the first time, said: “I ran in memory of my Mum who died in August as she received such exceptional and dignified care from the Hospice staff.

“It was her great wish to come to Dorothy House at the end of her life and she was so glad to be with her three daughters, her husband, sister and niece in such a peaceful place, surrounded by stunning views. The experience totally removed any stigma I had about what hospices are like and made me realize all the great things they do to support families. I still visit the Hospice for peace and quiet sometimes.”