CHILDREN everywhere should take note that Santa Claus is coming to town – for a charity fun run.

The Worcester-based cancer charity Leukaemia Care is hosting its annual Santathon at Pitchcroft on Sunday, December 4.

The event is the charity’s biggest fund-raiser and involves hundreds of big-hearted residents donning a Santa outfit on a 5k (about three miles) fun run.

Last year, the winter chill defeated organisers and the event had to be postponed until February.

This year, the event is moving to Pitchcroft in Worcester in hopes of avoiding any similar problems.

Monique Haselhurst, charity marketing chief, said: “It’s a massive event for us and is the biggest event we run throughout the year, so it’s important people come and support us.

“It is even more vital because of the disruption we suffered last year, which meant less people turned up.

“We’re hoping for about 500 Santas running around the course and we’ve been in touch with schools to see if their pupils and parents can help us.

“It’s a bit of fun, but it is a huge help in making sure we can provide vital support to people with leukaemia.”

The money raised will be put towards the setting up of a blood cancer patients’ support group in the city, helping people share their problems, get things off their chest and also make friends with people in similar circumstances.

The run starts at 11am, but people registering on the day should arrive at 9.30am.

Entry costs £10 for an adult – including the Santa costume – while under-16s enter for £5, without a costume inclduded.

People can find out more details by calling 08455 213456, but must fill out a registration form which can be found at raise4leuk aemia.org.uk Forms can be left in a dropbox at the city’s Guildhall, or posted – or dropped in – to the charity at One Birch Court, Blackpole East, Worcester, WR3 8SG Alternatively donations can be made at justgiving. com/leukaemiacare.