GO FOR AN ‘ELFY’ RUN – with the Elf Run for Brian House

Elizabeth Welsh, three, and Jack Caton, 10, are looking forward to the charity’s Elf Run with staff at Brian House Children’s Hospice.

Schools across the Fylde coast are gearing up to get ‘fit and elfie’ by taking part in an Elf Run for Brian House Children’s Hospice this festive season.

It’s the second year the Bispham-based hospice has organised an Elf Run, inviting schools to do a sponsored run, walk or dance for the charity. Last year 18 schools took part, raising more than £15,500.

This year is already expected to do better, with 21 schools signed up from across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre. The Elf Run is a flexible event, allowing schools to pick when and where their run takes place. Children and adults taking part get a special elf hat to wear, and raise sponsorship for the area’s only children’s hospice.

Community Fundraiser Chloe Rossall said ‘We were so pleased that last year’s Elf Run went so well, and that schools were asking us about this year’s event. We are really excited for this year’s Elf Run, and we’re thrilled that 11 of the schools already signed up are brand new to our festive fundraising. We have a real mix of pupils ready to go, from primary and secondary schools to those in further education. We even have Girlguiding groups signed up to take part.’

Local schools are also signing up to support Brian House by holding a Festive Jumper Day in the run up to Christmas.

Chloe added ‘We’re always surprised at just how imaginative our young supporters can be, but every penny raised makes such a difference to the children and families who need our support here at Brian House. We’d love to come to speak to any schools or young supporters who want to know more about the work we do and how they can help.’

Visit www.brianhouse.org.uk/elf-run for more information about Brian House Children’s Hospice, and to sign up for this year’s Elf Run.