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Dashing Cannock Santas Wanted

Santas who are willing to put their best wellies forward to help disabled children are sought to take place in the inaugural Cannock Santa Dash. The popular fun concept of the Santa Dash already takes place in many towns around the UK and is now coming to Cannock. The traditional story of Santa Claus, dashing around on Xmas Eve to reach all the children is the inspiration for the event, which Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children is hoping to make an annual event. Cannock Council and Cannock Shopping Centre have all supported the start of the event, which will bring some festive cheer to the town centre on Saturday 18th December starting at 11am from Cannock Leisure Centre. The route crosses Park Road and goes on to Market Place to finish at the band stand where the dashing Santas will cross the finishing line and be met by families that have been helped by Newlife. This fun run of just one or 1.5 miles is a celebration of Christmas and a chance to be part of the first event of its kind in Cannock. Newlife CEO Sheila Brown said: “I just know there’s a lot of budding Santas out there who are willing to dash for disabled kids, so I am hoping that Cannock people will turn out in force. Please sign up yourself or challenge a friend or work mate to sign up to be Santa. If you know a Christmas Grinch get them involved as well. Let’s see some Mrs Santas take part and some next generation Santas from the local over 16’s. Companies why not sponsor one or more of your staff to take part? Let’s show people that Cannock can still have fun and that Cannock cares.” Bring your own outfit or we will supply and there will be lots of prizes for fastest, best trier, best outfit and lots more. All the funds raised will help kids in the county so the Santas will have fun, be part of the first time this happens and help some kids this Christmas as well. Newlife currently has six children in Staffordshire who need £10,543.19 for essential equipment, so the Santas will know they are dashing for a great cause. Santas can run, walk or jog a route and need to raise at least £25 in sponsorship to enter. Thanks to a sponsor Newlife Foundation will supply a free Santa costume if required. For further details contact Newlife Foundation fundraiser Rachel Thomas on 01543 462777 or 07974 348993. Picture caption: Newlife Santas are putting their best boots forward to raise funds for disabled children. Pictured (left to right) Newlife Fundraiser Rachel Thomas, Constituency Manager for Aidan Burley MP Claire Wixon, Newlife staff members Phillip Ashcroft and Thomas Kay.