Santa Dash raises thousands for sick children in Sussex

The event raises cash for Rockinghorse, the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton.

Santas took part in a 5km fun run and 400 metre dash in chilly but bright conditions, adding tinsel and baubles to their outfits for an extra festive feel.

Rockinghorse said more than £3,500 has been raised so far, with money still coming in.

Funds raised are set to support the charity’s Christmas appeal for the Trevor Mann Baby Unit (TMBU) in Brighton, raising money to provide the specialist neonatal unit with new digital imaging equipment, allowing doctors to take instant X-rays of preterm babies at a lower radiation. The charity said the new equipment will significantly improve the overall experience of a preterm infant, who typically requires multiple X-rays to be taken during their admission.

Hannah Seltzer, challenge events fundraising manager at Rockinghorse, said: “Huge thanks to our wonderful Santa Dash participants for braving the cold to join us for the Christmas challenge. This is our third year of a charity partnership with the Santa Dash Brighton team, and we are delighted to receive such fantastic support from all involved.”

The charity is appealing to runners who would like to join their Brighton Half Marathon team on Sunday, February 26.

To find out more and request a registration form, call Hannah on 01273 330044 or email [email protected].