Record Santa Fun Run results in record donations

More than £10,000 was handed to three charities this week following a record Stamford Santa Fun Run last year.

The event, which took place on December 9 and was organised by the Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley, drew 1,340 runners, the highest number to take part in the annual race.

The presentation of cheques from money raised from the event took place at The George of Stamford on Monday with charities Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Mind for Wendy and Phoebe Research each receiving £3,500.

A further £3,500 is available to distribute to local and national charities and good causes throughout 2019.

Present at the event were Joely Garner of Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, Kerry Tanner and Will Hetherington representing Mind for Wendy and Zoe Crowson, Steven Arnold and Phoebe Crowson representing Phoebe Research.

Rotary Club of Stamford Burghley president John Sutcliffe and other members were also in attendance.

John said he was “very proud” of members and volunteers who had helped plan the event over the previous year and for all the hard work that went into staging the fun run.

“Burghley Estate deserve our gratitude for allowing us to run our event every year for the last 12 years and a special thanks to all of the sponsors who made it possible,” he said.

Zoe Crowson of Phoebe Research said she was delighted at the donation.

“It certainly gets Phoebe Research off to a good start this year,” she said.

Joely Garner applauded the Rotary Club and said: “Further funds were raised by us on the day of £820 thanks to our individual sponsors thus giving us a total of £4,320.

“Every penny raised makes a real difference to our patients and their loved ones at a time when it matters most.”

Kerry and Will jointly thanked the Rotary Club. “We are extremely grateful for this very generous donation which will help us to fulfil our pledge to support local mental health charities in memory of Wendy Hetherington."

“Mind for Wendy” facilitated a donation to Mind Space Stamford and Helen Howe, chairman of Trustees thanked the Rotary Club for the "very generous" contribution.

The Stamford Santa Fun Run has been provisionally scheduled for December 8 this year when it is hoped even more runners turn out and enjoy it as much as last year.