Schools and nurseries in Warrington came together in a heartwarming display of community spirit, raising an impressive sum of over £20,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice during the festive period. More than 5,000 children enthusiastically participated in the St Rocco’s Elf and Reindeer Run, showcasing their support for the hospice by running laps around their school playgrounds and conquering obstacle courses in a bid to raise vital funds.
The event was not just limited to students, as teachers also joined in on the fun by donning reindeer antlers and elf costumes to show their solidarity with the cause. St Bridget’s Catholic Primary School, a long-time supporter of St Rocco’s, was one of the enthusiastic participants. Head teacher Cerry Dobson expressed the school’s unwavering commitment to the hospice, stating, “St Bridget’s supports St. Rocco’s every year, not just with the Reindeer Run, but we also enjoy the Bunny Hop. It is one of our favorite charities and very dear to our hearts. Lots of families have a close connection with St Rocco’s as it has offered support to many of us over the years.”
The festive fundraising efforts extended beyond the school gates, with local businesses also stepping up to show their support. Emma Perkins from St Barnabas CE Primary School secured a generous donation of £500 from Rock Oil, a local company, to cover the cost of antlers and elf hats for participating schools. This collaboration ensured that more schools could participate, making a significant impact on the fundraising total.
Community fundraisers Karen Rutherford and Beth Allison were deeply moved by the overwhelming energy and generosity displayed by all participants. Karen shared, “We have been blown away by the energy and generosity shown by everyone, and it is heartwarming to see the children not only having fun and staying active but also learning about the hospice and its work.”
A spokesperson for St Rocco’s Hospice expressed gratitude towards all the schools and nurseries that took part in the Elf and Reindeer Run, emphasizing the importance of the funds raised in supporting the hospice’s services for patients and their families. These funds enable the hospice to provide essential services such as freshly cooked meals, complimentary therapies, and other comforts to ensure the comfort of those under their care.
Looking ahead, bookings are now open for the 2025 Elf and Reindeer Run, scheduled to take place from Monday, December 1. Those interested in participating can visit the St Rocco’s Hospice website for more information. Additionally, the hospice is gearing up for their Bunny Hop event this Easter, inviting schools and nurseries to take part in another meaningful fundraising initiative. For more details on how to get involved, visit the hospice’s website.