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3rd Annual Lewes Downland Santa Run Raises Over £2000 for Lewes Victoria Hospital
The 3rd Annual Lewes Downland Santa Run, organised for the first time by Lewes Athletic Club, brought festive cheer and community spirit to Lewes, raising over £2000 for the Lewes Victoria Hospital.
One hundred eighty-eight runners donned Santa hats and festive attire to participate in the event, braving freezing winds on their outward routes over the beautiful Lewes Downs to Ditchling and enjoying the winter sun on their return.
Participants chose to run 5k, 10k, or 15k distances. Charlotte Nash and the Rock Choir provided musical entertainment. “Father Christmas”, Michael Palmer started the race with an enthusiastic “Ho Ho Go!”
Funds raised from the Santa Run and contributions from other community groups have enabled Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital to buy two critical pieces of medical equipment for the hospital: a DEXA scanner and a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine. Unlike ordinary X-rays, DEXA scans can detect even tiny reductions in bone density, making them essential for diagnosing osteoporosis and prostate-related bone diseases.
Philip Westbury, the new Chair of Lewes Athletic Club, expressed his delight at the event’s success: “This is the first year that Lewes Athletic Club took on the organisation of the Santa Run, and it will certainly not be the last. Seeing so many people raising vital funds for the Lewes Victoria Hospital, a key part of our community, was heartwarming. Events like these not only give people the chance to dress up and exercise, but also the ability to contribute to an important cause.”
Lewes Athletic Club thanks Mayor Imogen Makepeace for her warm acknowledgment of Lewes Athletic Club’s fundraising efforts, and Brian Courage, the Town Ranger, for assisting with field access.
Gratitude is also extended to Fiona Adams at Wallands School for providing registration, a bag drop, and post-run catering facilities and all the volunteer marshals who stood in the freezing cold to support the runners.
Also, to Steven Farley of Graphic Corner for capturing fantastic photos. Runners and supporters can relive memories from the event by viewing these pictures at: https://gallery.thegraphiccorner.co.uk/folvhsantarun2024/.
Special thanks to the following volunteers
Richard Moore, Sarah Robinson, Steve Olsen, Steve Winslade, Gerard Dummet, Caroline Darton- Mark Pearson – School Paramedic Contact/Key Holder
- Katie Tearle – School Assistant
- Pauline Richards – School Helper
- On-the-day Entry Team: Mark Pappenheim and Stephanie Crespin
- Traffic Organiser: Jane Sallis
- Traffic Assistant: Mary Wells
- Sweeper: Richard Bailey
- Marshals: Rebecca Anderson (1), Sarah Pearson (2), Fiona Bailey (3), Jane Reid (4), Martin Reid (5), Geoff Hardy-Gould (6), Simon Driver (7), Tracey Taylor (8), Karin Richter (9), Steve Smith (10), Sally Norris (11), Claire Watson (12), Geoff Watson (13), Karen Miles (14), Jeremy Wainwright (15), David and Matthew Simister (16), Tatiana Nedialkova (17), Peter Earle (18), Juliet Escombe and Hazel Adams (19), and Robert Whitfield (20).
Originally set up by Sarah Pearson of the Friends of Lewes Victoria Hospital, the Lewes Downland Santa Fun Run began in 2022 and has grown significantly in popularity, with last year’s event attracting nearly twice as many participants as the inaugural race.
The 3rd Annual Lewes Downland Santa Run demonstrated the power of community, bringing people together to celebrate the festive season while making a meaningful difference for local healthcare services.