Gorleston Santa Dash Raises Over £4,500

Over £4,500 has been raised for St Elizabeth Hospice, with donations still coming in, following the charity’s Santa Dash 2025 in Gorleston.

Held on Sunday 7 December, Santa Dash saw more than 150 St Elizabeth Hospice supporters don Santa outfits and Christmas themed fancy dress as they completed a sponsored Family Fun Run or 5k run along Gorleston cliff top and promenade.

All funds raised by the event, which was sponsored by Persimmon Homes, will go towards St Elizabeth Hospice which, in partnership with East Coast Community Healthcare, has cared for more than 6,000 patients and their families in Great Yarmouth and Waveney, since launching in April 2019.

James Fox-Golding, Events Manager at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “What an amazing day full of festive cheer! A huge thank you to everyone who helped make our Santa Dash a success – from the dedicated volunteers and brilliant runners to the supporters cheering them on by providing a great atmosphere.

“We’re delighted by the incredible funds raised, which will directly support our services across Great Yarmouth and Waveney, giving patients and families the care they need when it matters most.”

Last year’s Santa Dash raised over £4,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, which improves life for people in Great Yarmouth and Waveney living with a progressive or life-limiting illness, delivering specialist palliative care provision in people’s homes, at Beccles Hospital, at its Community Care Units and through the service’s 24-hour advice line, OneCall.

The results of the 5k timed race saw Sam Burdett finish as the fastest male with a time of 19 minutes and 44 seconds, while Kirsty Wheeler finished as the fastest female in an impressive time of 23 minutes and 1 second.

Sam said: “It has been so nice to take part in Santa Dash again. This year’s weather is much better than last year’s, to say the least!

“Really pleased with my time and my run, but most importantly it is great to support a good local cause.”

Kirsty added: “I had a great time and loved the brilliant atmosphere. I am so pleased to return and win the race for the second-year running.

“It is brilliant way to start the festive season, all while supporting a really important charity.”

Jorden Knell, Sales Director at Persimmon Homes, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be the headline sponsors of the St Elizabeth Hospice Santa Dash for the second year.

“It’s a fantastic event that brings the community together to support such an important cause. Our sponsorship will help fund the vital care and services the hospice provides to families in need across the region.

“At Persimmon Homes Anglia, we’re committed to giving back to the communities where we build, and proud to be renewing our support for St Elizabeth Hospice.”