AN annual Santa Fun Run has raised thousands of pounds for a hospice supporting people with life-limiting illnesses. 

Hundreds braved the rain dressed as Father Christmas for the annual Primrose Hospice Santa Fun Run earlier this month. 

Despite the bad weather, a record 350 supporters gathered on December 3 at Arrow Valley Park in Redditch to raise funds for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre.

A huge £13,321 was raised through the event, which could pay to keep the hospice open for over 8 days, ensuring they can continue providing their vital care and support to patients and families in Bromsgrove and Redditch.

The event saw Santa, and his Snowman helpers from Redditch Round Table, and Mayor of Redditch, Salman Akbar, welcoming participants over the finish line to be greeted with a medal and a mince pie.

Primrose Hospice supporter Sue McDowall, who took part in the Santa Fun Run, said: “The Santa Fun Run was a brilliant morning full of laughter, dancing and of course, much-needed donations for Primrose Hospice.

"The warmup kept spirits high and, despite the rain, everyone had a smile on their face all the way round.

"It was really special to share the Santa Fun Run with my daughter and granddaughter, knowing that we were contributing to a wonderful cause like Primrose Hospice”.

Primrose Hospice thanked all their volunteers and everyone who supported their Santa Fun Run 2023.

People can find out about upcoming fundraising events via the Primrose Hospice website.

It costs Primrose Hospice £1.95 million to provide their care and support for free to those who need them. Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre offers care and advice to patients living with a life-limiting illness.

They also support families who have experienced a bereavement or who have a family member living with a life-limiting illness in the North East Worcestershire area.