Lymington’s annual Santa Dash raises thousands for Oakhaven Hospice

Lymington was awash with Christmas cheers as more than a thousand festive fundraisers stepped up for the town’s annual Santa Dash.

The popular event saw hundreds of families, individuals and business take part to raise more than £20,000 for Oakhaven Hospice. Despite the high winds and rain from Storm Darragh, the runners were in high spirits as they completed the 3km route around Lymington.

The event started and finished in the High Street, outside the premises of headline sponsor, John D Wood & Co. Before the race, all the Santas gathered for a warm-up led by ‘Chief Elf’ Rob Mangles, of the Gym Tin, with a sea of red suits and hats stretching as far as the eye could see.

Rob then gave a fun-filled commentary for spectators throughout the race, with plenty of festive jokes and high-fives for the Santas as they crossed the finish line and collected their medals. The first Santa across the finish line was Harry Forsyth (15).

Meanwhile, those unable to make it out to watch the event in person enjoyed following the Santa Dash live on Oakhaven’s Facebook page.

Oakhaven Hospice’s director of fundraising, Laura Eastwood, said: “We were absolutely delighted that so many Santas and festive friends joined us for Santa Dash. It was great to see so many happy faces as everyone dashed, scooted, jogged and walked around town.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported the event, including everyone who took part, everyone who donated, our ‘Elf’, Rob of The Gym Tin, for doing the warm-up and commentary, all our wonderful volunteer route marshals, and all the supporters who lined the streets to cheer on the Santas.

“In particular, we would like to thank our event sponsors, whose financial assistance helped to cover the costs of the event, our headline sponsor, John D Wood & Co, which has supported Santa Dash for many years, as well as our medal sponsor New Forest Ice Cream and our Santa Suit sponsor Scott Bailey LLP.”

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