Hundreds of hospice supporters suited up for the festive Santa Dash at Swinley Forest in Bracknell, on Sunday.

The annual 5k or 10k fun run, supported as usual by the Shanly Foundation, attracted almost 800 participants dressed in Santa suits, reindeer antlers, flashing noses and even their own festive creations.

This year saw many large groups taking part, including a magnificent party of over 60 celebrating a special birthday, as well as teams from Waitrose and Partners, Cadence and leading healthcare organisation Abbott in Maidenhead.

Alison Evans, head of community and events fundraising at Thames Hospice in Hatch Lane, Windsor, said: “Our annual Santa Dash is one of our supporters’ favourite hospice events as it kicks off the start to the festive period. There was a fantastic atmosphere and the sea of red suits was such a spectacle against the stunning forest backdrop. Thank you to everyone who signed up; the support we’ve been shown from our community and local organisations has been truly amazing this year.”

Santas who crossed the finish line received a medal and mince pie, courtesy of Connect Catering.

Volunteers who supervised the event came from Thames Valley Police, members of the Thames Valley Police Cadets and the Rotary Club of Windsor St. George.

The Santa Dash Team would like to remind supporters that there is still time to raise sponsorship and all the money raised will help to provide local people with quality of life until the end of life.

For more information on Thames Hospice’s upcoming events, including our Christmas carol services at Eton and Wellington Colleges, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/events