Rudolphs run to raise more than £7,000 for Rowcroft Hospice

More than 6,000 children from 34 schools and nurseries across Torbay and South Devon have been taking part in Rowcroft Hospice’s Rudolph Run - raising thousands of pounds for the charity by donning their antlers and enjoying a sponsored run or walk.

Now in its second year, the Rudolph Run offers schools the perfect chance to celebrate the festive season in style, with each school setting the time, date, location and distance of their own event.

Stover Preparatory School raised more than £2,000 for the hospice through the Rudolph Run.

Ben Noble, head of the school, said: “It was lovely to see all of our pupils working so hard - and running so fast in antlers and red noses - to raise money for such a worthy local charity, close to the hearts of many parents and staff, and having great fun in the process.”

Hetty Prince, aged eight, a Year 4 pupil at the school who took part in the event, said: “It was fun to do something to help others and I enjoyed running around in antlers with my friends. And we raised more than £2,000 too!”

Initial analysis is showing the Rudolph Run has so far raised more than £7,000, with funds still pouring in.

Alexia Croft, the hospice's events manager, said: “The Rudolph Run is a brilliant annual event that gives us the opportunity to introduce school children to the concept of hospice care in an age-appropriate way, and we’ve been blown away by the fantastic support of schools and nurseries.

“All the children and staff have been wonderful and it was magical to see everyone having such a fabulous time on their runs!

“We’re so grateful to everyone for taking part as every penny raised in sponsorship will go to fund expert end-of-life care for patients and their loved ones across South Devon, and our care is needed now more than ever. We’d also like to thank our event sponsors China Blue for their incredible support.”

Harriet Judge, marketing manager at China Blue, said: “China Blue was delighted to sponsor the Rowcroft Rudolph Run - a fun and festive event involving our local community - to help enable the amazing work of such an important charity.”