Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has announced that its 2021 Santa Dash run raised more than £15,000.
The popular event sees thousands of people dress up in their festive running gear and dash through the streets of Liverpool to raise money for the specialist children’s hospital.
More than 5,000 red, blue and mini ‘Santas’ were involved in the 18th annual festive fundraiser in December, which was the first to go ahead properly since the pandemic.
Adam Dixon, Community Fundraiser for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, said:
“The Appreciate Group Liverpool Santa Dash 2021 was the perfect way to end a busy year for Alder Hey Children’s Charity and to see so many Santa’s running for Alder Hey was absolutely amazing.”
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The money raised is being put towards the hospital’s new £3 million Surgical Neonatal Appeal which launched last Autumn and is being championed by Liverpool Football Club legend, Jamie Carragher.
Jamie attended the event and joined Alder Hey patient and guest of honour, four-year-old Betty from Warrington, who was given the job of officially starting the fun run.
Betty was born premature at 23 weeks and spent the first 13 months of her life at Alder Hey, where she is still receiving care.
Betty’s Mum Karen said: “We absolutely loved being part of the Liverpool Santa Dash – what a fantastic atmosphere! Betty loved starting the run and watching the Santa’s dash through the city centre.
“We were incredibly proud to be part of the day and represent Alder Hey as a family, while at the same time raise money for the hospital that cares for Betty.”
Betty and Jamie were also accompanied on the stage by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, and Radio DJ Lee Butler.
The Liverpool Santa Dash was established by BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell and was first staged in 2004.
BTR Liverpool is an independent organisation specialising in creating, managing, and delivering headline race events across the Liverpool City Region.
Alan Rothwell added: “We’re thrilled that our official event charity partner, Alder Hey Children’s Charity, has received a massive £15,000 boost raised by kind-hearted Santas.”
This year’s Liverpool Santa Dash takes place on Sunday December 4 and entries are now open.
To see some of the highlights from 2021, check out this video:
https://merseynewslive.co.uk/2021/12/08/successful-return-for-citys-celebrated-santa-dash/
Featured image by by Paul Francis Cooper/BTR Liverpool
