Santa fun run raises over £22,000 for Ipswich and Colchester hospitals

More than 400 people took part in a Santa fun run that raised over £22,000 for hospitals in Suffolk and Essex.

Organised by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, the run took place in Colchester's Castle Park for its 13th year.

Cheered on by hospital radio and the cancer choir, everyone who finished was awarded a bespoke eco-friendly medal and snacks.

Racers had the option of running a 5km or 3km route to raise funds for a hospital department close to their hearts.

Laetitia Holland, fund-raising manager for the charity, said the run was a perfect start to the festive season.

The team thanked every Santa that took part in the race for getting them into the Christmas spirit.

She added: “It’s been a tough few years for the NHS, but this event has given us the chance to get together in person and support our staff and services.

“We always feel very humbled when our community support us with such enthusiasm.

"The money raised will genuinely make life-changing improvements to a wide range of departments and services at our hospitals and community sites."