The eighth Santa Dash in aid of the Alexander Devine children's hospice charity will be kicking off the festive season as usual this year - but not in its usual form.

The event is a good fundraiser for the charity, which also supports sick children and their families at home as well as in its Maidenhead hospice.

But due to the Coronavirus it cannot be the usual social event this year. Instead families, friends and colleagues are being invited to suit up, choose their own 5k route and enjoy the dash in small, socially distanced groups.

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They will still get a medal though.

The charity CEO Fiona Devine said: “It is hugely disappointing not to be able to host our annual Santa Dash in the iconic surrounds of Windsor with all the usual energy and excitement that comes with it. It is a real highlight of the year for us and such a wonderful spectacle to behold the sea of red Santas dashing through the Royal town centre.

"We hope people will embrace the new format for this year and still join in the fun with us wherever they are. We will be organising a jolly fun virtual warm up on Sunday, November 29 before we all head off.

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"Covid-19 has had a severe impact on fundraising income with most of our 2020 events having to be cancelled. That's why we are enormously grateful for people’s support and participation in events like this. Every single person that takes part in our Santa Dash and fundraises for us helps us to continue to bring specialist care, support, fun and laughter to the children and families we support and also reach out to even more that need us.”

Registration costs £15.

To sign up or for more information, visit www.alexanderdevine.org/santadash

This year’s event is sponsored by Leywood Estates Ltd and Horler Estate Agents.

Susie Patterson | Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator