Santas at the double in Birmingham to raise money for the Acorns hospice

Dec 3 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

IT was a sight destined to send youngsters wild with excitement but these Santas weren't delivering presents to Birmingham early this year.

Instead, 300 kind-hearted fund-raisers dressed up as Father, and Mother, Christmas to bring some festive cheer to sick children.

The fitness fans donned their red and white Santa costumes and bushy white beards for a bit of cool-running around Brindleyplace.

And they helped raise more than £20,000 that will spread joy to youngsters being treated by Acorns Children's Hospice.

The Birmingham-based charity hosted their first Santa Run on Santa that saw crowds of Father Christmas' running around Brindleyplace and the NIA.

Rohan Kallicharin, aged 33, of Edgbaston, who works for recruitment firm Reed, said: "Acorns is something that you really think about when coming up to Christmas, particularly the kids, and you want to do anything you can to help.

"I can't believe how much fun it has been. It's fantastic that so many people turned out."

Bob Judges, from Harborne, took part with his 18-year-old son Greg who finished second in the first race.

"It was quiet competitive up front and a good race," said Greg.

But Bob, a trustee for the charity, joked: "It wasn't that competitive in the middle, it was just the right distance for me."

John Low, aged 46, from Tamworth, who took part with wife Diane, added: "It was really good fun, but more of a walk than a run for us. I didn't realise I was going to sweat so much."

Teachers Debbie Colley and Dee Carroll also took part as part of a year-long fund-raising effort for the charity by pupils from Woodgate Valley Primary School, Bartley Green.

"It's been really rewarding," said Debbie.

"The school is doing a lot to support the charity and we though we would take part. It makes our children understand how lucky they are."

After completing the run on her 52nd birthday, Susan Moore, from Warwickshire, left the costume on and went shopping.

"It helps bring a smile to people's faces," she added.