Brine Leas pupils help raise £40,000 in Rudolph Runs hospice event

Nantwich pupils who took part in Rudolph Runs for St Luke’s Hospice have helped to raise £40,000 towards patient care.

Fundraisers at St Luke’s were overwhelmed by the response to the festive fun runs with 43 schools, nurseries and Girl Guide groups signing up and hosting their own Rudolph Run in December.

Among those were dozens of youngsters at Brine Leas School on Audlem Road in Nantwich.

Pupils and staff there raised a total of £1,800 at their Rudolph Run.

Head of PE at Brine Leas Rebecca Dawson said: “We like to support a different organisation each year and the students really enjoyed the Rudolph Run as a bit of fun in the run up to Christmas and the chance to raise money for such an important local charity.

“As a PE team, we are so proud of how much money the students have raised, just over £1,800.”

Angela Slack, Community Partnerships Manager at St Luke’s Hospice, said: “Huge thanks to all the schools, nurseries and groups which organised a Rudolph Run, and to the children and their families who supported it.

“It is the first time we have held this festive fundraiser and we have been absolutely blown away by the response and support from the community.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think the Rudolph Runs would raise so much money for our Hospice.

“It has been such a joy to see photos of children taking part and having so much fun, while raising vital funds at the same time.

“More than 7,500 children took part in a Rudolph Run in December, which is just incredible.

“We were able to visit many of the schools to speak directly to the children about the work of St Luke’s and the difference their sponsorship money could make to patients, and we were so grateful for that opportunity.”

Throughout December, nurseries and schools hosted a Rudolph Run in their playground, school hall, field or local park.

They set the date and distance for children to walk or run, and each child was given a Rudolph red nose and a pair of reindeer antlers to wear, and teachers were provided with Santa suits.

Children were also given sponsorship envelopes and were encouraged to ask family and friends for donations.