City sees red on Santa run

Many hundreds of runners took part in yesterday’s annual Santa Dash, donning beards and Christmas hats in recognition of the work of the local charity.

Fundraisers united, young and old, with family groups, friends, and running clubs taking part, as well as a number of dogs dressed up as reindeers.

Hayley and Rich McCarthy, from East Ardsley, had brought four-month-old baby Mabel, in a carrier complete with Santa hat, with big brother Sonny, three, running alongside.

“It’s nice to give something back, for such a good cause,” said Mrs McCarthy. “This is a charity that means so much to the community.”

Thomas Smith, 10, and from Bramhope, had been coaching dad Chris ahead of the race with thrice-weekly personal training sessions, raising £450 between them.

And while the festive event was a celebration to raise many thousands for the Leeds-based hospice, it was also a chance for many families to remember a loved one who had spent their final days in its care.

“They do such a fantastic job,” said the Murphy family from Boston Spa, three generations running together to remember grandfather Brian. “It’s just an amazing charity.”

The Peacock family, from West Park, were also running to support the charity as thanks for the help it had given them when they lost grandmother Margaret in August.

“She was given the dignity that she deserved,” said Sarah Peacock, with husband Ian and daughters Freya, 13, and Amelia, 11. “All the staff, from the receptionist to the nurses, were just so absolutely brilliant - it was about her but they supported the whole family.

“It costs £25,000 a day just to run the services that St Gemma’s Hospice do, but it’s so important.

“We’ve only been raising money for a week and we’ve got £250 which is great. So many people in the Leeds area know St Gemma’s and the amazing job they do.”