A sea of red Santas jogged through Bristol city centre today (December 12) to raise money for the city's terminally ill kids.
More than 1,200 fundraisers descended on Bristol for the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) annual Santa Run.
Adults, children, prams and dogs flooded Waterfront Square in their festive attire before jogging/walking/sprinting round the 2K route along the harbourside.
Little Freddie de Gennaro, who has been diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, started the run after being supported by CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice.
Speaking to runners, mum Justine said: "Santa’s on the run always gives me a big lump in my throat - watching a sea of thousands of Santas old and young all coming together to raise money for an amazing place they’ve probably never visited.
"They just do it because they care for the cause. It’s extra special.”
The festive event hopes to raise £45,000 for the charity which supports over 220 families from Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas.
Justine added: “To know Freddie is really well cared for is so reassuring. Hospitals are a sterile environment that it’s lovely to know you can come here where it’s calm and peaceful and you’re so supported, it’s like having a big, comfortable warm blanket around you.
"People are here to help and hug; it’s wonderful.”
Freddie suffers from a rare genetic condition called mucolipidosis type three, which can affect his bones and other organs, and also has severe epilepsy, autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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