Worcester Santathon proves a big hit (From Worcester News)

Worcester Santathon proves a big hit

10:00am Monday 7th December 2009

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HUNDREDS of runners raised a sackful of cash for charity during the santastic Santathon in Worcester.

A sea of Santas swept through the streets of the city as 400 people turned the town red for this year’s fund-raising event in aid Worcester-based national charity Leukaemia CARE.

Organisers hope that the event, which began and ended at Worcester City FC’s St George’s Lane ground in Barbourne, will raise more than last year’s total of £20,000.

Brave leukaemia sufferer Ben Price, aged two, of Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, was dressed as an elf and rode in a sleigh made by family friends John and Billy Burton.

He was joined by mum Emma, their dog Winston and Billy’s dog Sam.

The run was launched by the Mayor of Worcester Andy Roberts, who had to rely on his voice to start it after the hooter broke.

Others to take part were 23-year-old Simon Gammon, his 47-year-old mum Karen, brother-in law Peter Reeves, 24, Linda Gammon, 44, and her daughter, Zoe Tofield, aged 14. They also brought with them Parson Jack Russell Billy, complete with his very own miniature Santa suit.

Karen Gammon, of Ronkswood Hill, Ronkswood, Worcester, said: “My dad has cancer. If the money raised gives just one person another month or even a day, then it’s all worth it.”

Russell Lengthorn, 33, of Checketts Lane, Worcester, ran the race with son Laurence, nine months, strapped to his back.

His wife Elena, 30, a teacher at Nunnery Wood High School, also ran the 5km course with colleagues Sarah Walsh, Ellen Symonds and Bee Speechley.

Mrs Lengthorn said: “My son did the race with us last year when I was seven months pregnant with him. He has been practising for this one by climbing stairs.”

The winner of the Santathon was Lewis Roberts, aged 15, of Battenhall Road. He attends Bishop Perowne High School and runs for Worcester Athletic Club. He said: “I came second last year and I have run in it for the last four years. My cousin Raphael Leisy has leukaemia. It’s a great event.”

In second place, and first adult across the line, was Nigel Edgington, 35, of Church Road, Bromsgrove.

In third place and first woman to finish was Jessica Hadley, 32, also of Church Road, Bromsgrove. Last month she also ran the New York Marathon.

Eve Martin-Lewis, fund-raising director and deputy chief executive of Leukaemia CARE, said the Santathon was a growing event held at three different sites and she hoped more football clubs could help host runs across the country next year.

She said: “The Santathon is unique and important to the charity. It gives us funds at a time when people don’t tend to go out and fund-raise. The Santathon really does help.”

The event helps fund the charity’s flagship care line as well as specialist nurses who provide care, advice and support for those affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

• View our special Santathon gallery here.

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