7:40pm Sunday 12th December 2010
By Amie Mulderrig
A FLURRY of white and red raced through the streets of St Albans this morning, for the annual charity Jinglebell Jog and Reindeer Run.
As the sun shone, hundreds of men and women dressed in Santa suits, together with children sporting reindeer ears and Santa hats, gathered outside the Alban Arena, ready to make their way through the city.
Organised to raise money for Grove House Hospice, which cares for people with cancer, the event, in its second year, was being hailed by volunteers as being their most successful to date.
Former EastEnders actor Larry Lamb, who is appearing in Peter Pan at the arena, started participants on their way for the five kilometre and one point five kilometre runs, following a countdown.
He said: “St Albans is an absolutely lovely place, and it’s started to feel more and more like home.
“There is great community spirit and it’s wonderful to have been invited to an event like this, where people are having fun and raising money for such a fantastic, local cause.”
His sentiments were echoed by Louise Miller, who works at the hospice.
As she handed out registration forms and Santa suits to entrants, she said: “Grove House Hospice needs to raise £1.5 million per year to run, so it’s essential our fundraisers are a success.
There is no limit as to how much we’re hoping to raise today – the sky really is the limit.
“We have been blessed with the weather yet again, and it’s been really heart-warming to see how many people have signed up to take part, old and young alike.
“There are two runs open today – a one point five kilometre one for the children [Reindeer Run] and five kilometre run for the adults [Jinglebell Jog].
“What better a way to get into the festive spirit and all while raising money for a really worthwhile cause?”
More than 400 people took part in this year’s event, warming up on the start line to Girl’s Aloud track “Jump”.
Among them was hospice nurse Pat Cooper-Barnes, who said she decided to jog as she understands first hand, how much Grove House is in need of donations.
The 58-year-old explained: “I work a lot in the community and find my job incredibly rewarding, especially working with the patients.
“Along with support from the district nurses, Grove House Hospice makes such a difference and it needs every penny to continue to make that difference.”
Following the children’s race, young “runner” Ethan, proudly showed off his snowflake medal as his father revealed the two-year-old had managed to raise £100 for the event.
Proud dad Steven Phillips, 34, said: “We’re from St Albans and thought what a great local cause to support.
“This is Ethan’s first race, but I’m a keen runner and what better way to start training, while raising money for charity.”
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