HUNDREDS of Father Christmases are set to descend upon Christchurch park next month for the first Ipswich Santa Run.The Santa run is being held in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospice and is the first of its kind in the region.

HUNDREDS of Father Christmases are set to descend upon Christchurch Park next month for the first Ipswich Santa Run.

The Santa run is being held in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices and is the first of its kind in the region.

There will also be a display of Goldwing motorbikes and the Ipswich Grey Friars Round Table's Rudolph Sleigh.

EACH provides children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions a good quality of life and support for their families.

Care is provided at the family's home or at one of the three hospices in the county.

The event is vital to help EACH provide continued support to local families, as they have to rely on voluntary donations for the majority of their income.

Simon Hempsall, marketing manager for the charity, said: “Some children may only have a very short time to live, perhaps only weeks or months, others may reach young adulthood but our aim at EACH is always the same - to enhance the quality of life and support their family.

“To continue doing this we rely so heavily on public donations and need new events like the Ipswich Santa Runs to be a success.

“I urge everyone to get Christmas off to a great fun start by joining in with the fun and honestly, you won't look daft, you'll look just like everyone else!”

The 2km run (or walk, whichever suits you) takes place on December 16 and will be confined to the town's Christchurch Park.

Adults will be asked to get a minimum of £20 sponsorship and pay £10 to enter.

Under 14s will cost £5 and there is a free Santa's Little Helper Dash for under 8s.

The event is being sponsored by TMJ Interiors, who recently presented the charity with a cheque to the sum of £50,000, received by Santas (of course) at the charity's Fundraising Ball.

Their sponsorship also means that every adult participating will receive a free Santa Suit and under 14s a free flashing hat.

The run also coincides with the Festive Fun event at Christchurch Mansion.

This means that visitors have the chance to meet Father and Mother Christmas, make Christmas crackers, listen to carol-singing, take part in a quiz trail and watch demonstrations of glass-making, calligraphy and bobbin-lace making after the run.

To enter contact 01953 715559 for a form, visit the EACH charity shop in Felixstowe Road Ipswich or visit www.each.org.uk/santarunipswich.

For more information about EACH visit www.each.org.uk.