A MOTHER is set to take part in Christmas-themed fun run as a way of thanking a charity for helping her daughter.

Naomi Gornall

A MOTHER is set to take part in Christmas-themed fun run as a way of thanking a charity for helping her daughter.

Michelle Button, of Trinity Close, Kesgrave, will be donning a Father Christmas outfit for the East Anglia's Children's Hospices Santa Run, and together with family members, is hoping to raise hundreds of pounds for the charity.

Ms Button's 17-year-old daughter Lucy, who has cerebral palsy, is blind, and has to be fed via a tube in her stomach, attends the hospice in Ipswich about once a month for a short break.

Ms Button, 40, who is also mum to four-year-old Oliver and 15-year-old James, said: “This is the first time I have ever taken part in a Santa Run and I'm so excited.

“EACH has provided me with short-break care for Lucy, which means I have been able to spend quality time with my other children, something which I can't always do with Lucy's needs.

“The care EACH provides means I can relax knowing Lucy is in safe hands and is receiving the best possible care.

“I just want everyone to know how amazing EACH is and the amazing job they do- without them I just couldn't cope. They are lifesavers.”

The Ipswich Santa Run-which is 3km and finishes at Christchurch Park- takes place at 11am on Sunday, December 13, and Ms Button is gearing up to take part together with her partner Gary Harold and her son Oliver, and other family members. Lucy may also be attending. It is hoped they will raise �400.

EACH provides care and support for life-threatened children and their families in their own homes, as well as at the charity's hospices based around the region. Most of the costs to run the hospices come from voluntary donations.

Karen Chesney, EACH events fundraiser, said: “Michelle's family is just one of many who are cared for by EACH, and by taking part in the Ipswich Santa Run you can really help to make a difference.”

Adult entry is �10 and children under 13 are �5. If you already own a Santa suit, you can enter the Santa Run for a reduced price.