A FLEET of Queen's Park High School Santas raced through the streets of Chester for their own DIY Charity Santa Dash, raising over £1,500 for two local charities.
Due to the current pandemic restrictions, this year's 10th Santa Dash, organised by The Hospice of the Good Shepherd and Blue Skies Balcony Appeal at the Countess of Chester Hospital, has been taking place throughout December in a very different format.
This didn’t deter Queen's Park High School 'dashers' though, and the school hastily organised their own festive fun run to raise money for the two great charities.
On Friday, December 4, a socially distanced convoy of 30 Queen’s Park High School staff and sixth-form students dressed as Santas, raced through the streets of Chester around a 5km course starting and finishing at the school.
Although it was a wet and dreary afternoon, that didn't dampen the spirits of the Santa Dashers who endured the elements and pushed through their pain barriers to reach the finish line.
The fun run culminated with a glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pie for the bedraggled Santas that completed the race.
Kathy Kenny, community & event fundraiser at Countess of Chester, said: “To have 30 members of staff and students dashing on a very cold, wet and gloomy day is a true testament to the brilliant support the school has offered both the hospital and the hospice over the years! We are truly grateful for their energy, enthusiasm and commitment.”
Robin Johnson, maths teacher and fun run organiser at Queen’s Park High School along with his team, set up a money giving page with a target of £500 to reach for the two charities.
The school was proud to announce that after all their Santas completed the gruelling run, they had smashed their goal and clocked up an amazing £967.50 in sponsorship. This added to the £600 the ‘dashers’ paid to participate, brings the grand total to £1,567.50 for the two charities!
Mr Johnson said: “I am amazed at how much we achieved in such a short time, both in terms of how many Santas participated and the money raised. For some this was their first 5km race and to be honest, the weather was horrid. Well done everyone who ran and supported.”
The school would like to thank all those that donated to this wonderful cause and to all the Queen’s Park marshals and supporters who braved the conditions and made this festive event such a success.
Thanks also go to Morrisons in Upton who kindly supplied the mince pies and mulled wine for the runners.
People can still donate at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/QPHSSantaDash or to do your own challenge, register at www.chestersantadash.com
Lyndsay Watterson, headteacher and dasher, added: “I feel very proud of the Queen’s Park team, such great community spirit shown by all, whether ‘dashing’ or supporting behind the scenes.
"After what has been an incredibly challenging term for us all, it was great for our students and staff to be able to join forces, have some fun and raise money for such a worthwhile cause!”
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