Swarm of santas to run for Air Ambulance (From Swindon Advertiser)

Swarm of santas to run for Air Ambulance

6:30pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Gary Lawrence

FAMILIES are being urged to don Santa suits and run in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambu-lance next month.

The charity has linked up with Swindon Phoenix Rotary to organise its first fundraising Santa Fun Run on December 2 at Lydiard Park in Swindon.

The Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £700,000 each year to cover the running costs of its helicopter.

Head of fundraising Caroline Corrigan said: “We are thrilled to be working with Swindon Phoenix on making this an annual event for Swindon. “We can’t wait to see 400 supporters dressed in Santa Suits either walking, jogging or running the 5K route.

“This is a family event and we are encouraging everyone to join in the Christmas spirit by getting involved.”

She said the charity had been aware that it does not organise enough fundraising events in the Swindon area. She said: “This is a great way to start December. The charity is often associated with some tragic stories and we wanted to put on something fun for all the family.

“It doesn’t matter whether we have seasoned runners, young or old participants or families out together, we just want to see lots of people there on the day having fun. We would love to see some companies taking part too.”

Off-duty air ambulance crews will be running and will be around to talk about the work of the helicopter, which has been at 1,400 life threatening incidents in the past year across the county and 32 in Swindon alone.

Adult places are £15 and children under 16 are £5. A family can enter for £30.

Adults will receive a free Santa suit and children get free reindeer ears. Everyone taking part will receive a medal and a goodie bag donated by Tesco and Co-op.

People can enter at www.swindonsanta.org.uk. For details about the air ambulance, visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk