Santas raise thousands for Alexander Devine through annual dash in Windsor

Five hundred Santas raised tens of thousands of pounds when they dashed through the streets of Windsor for Alexander Devine’s annual Santa Dash.

The much-loved event was back last month and was ‘not only a joyful celebration, but a powerful display of local generosity’, organisers said.

Organisers have now confirmed the event has raised £36,000 for the hospice, which provides specialist care for babies, children and young people with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and their families in Berkshire, South Bucks and the surrounding counties.

This year, it will cost £3.4million to run the hospice service, and with 85 per cent of this funded through donations and events such as the Santa Dash, organisers said the impact of everyone who has fundraised, supported and donated is ‘truly extraordinary’.

More than 50 volunteers helped prepare the streets and marshal the route in Windsor.

Long-standing supporters such as Fizz from Fizz Whizz, Jigsaw Events and E.L. Fitness brought the energy to the stage and fuelled excitement ahead of the run.

Alexander Devine’s patron Lieutenant General Phil Jones, constable and governor of Windsor Castle, was on hand to send the Santas on their way at the start of the event.

Jessica Hatchett, Santa Dash event lead, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered or supported this year’s Santa Dash.

“The atmosphere was amazing, and it was a fantastic achievement to sell the event out this year and hit our fundraising target.

“The generosity of the community means we can continue to provide vital care to the families we support.”

The hospice has thanked the dashers, supports, volunteers and staff who ‘made this event such a success’.

For more information about Alexander Devine’s upcoming events and to get involved, visit: www.alexanderdevine.org/events