Leukaemia CARE’s annual Santathon fun run scheduled to take place at Sixways Stadium – the home of Worcester Warriors – this coming Sunday (December 5) has now been postponed following the adverse weather conditions.
This is the first time, after five consecutive years of successfully holding the event, that the charity, Leukaemia CARE, has had to postpone the 5km run due to significant concern over public safety.
Lauren Billington, Fundraising Director at Leukaemia CARE, said: “Public safety is paramount to us and with temperatures getting well below zero, it wouldn't be responsible of us to allow the event to go ahead, it is not worth the risk.”
This annually held event helps generates much needed funds for the charity, that is now pleading to the public to support them in alternative ways; Leukaemia CARE would like to invite as many individuals, teams or corporate businesses to take on 'make it a challenge' month and support the charity in alternative ways to avoid losing funds that would have been raised through the run. 'Make it a challenge' month involves taking on something new for a month such as; recycling, collecting stamps, selling & buying Christmas cards, growing a beard for a month. The ideas are endless.
Lauren added: “We are extremely disappointed that we have had to postpone the event and would like to encourage the public to still help raise funds for us over the next few months. We rely heavily upon the funds raised from the Santathon, but are hopeful that the public will support us through this period.”
Runners can be assured that the event will still be taking place but not until 2011. Leukaemia CARE will now be working towards holding a Santa run during early Spring 2011.
Kathy Leather, Commercial Director at Warriors, said: “We are just as disappointed about Sunday as Leukaemia CARE, but hopeful that we will now be able to host the event in much better circumstances. The idea of having Santa's running around in Spring sunshine is fantastic and puts a great twist on the whole event.
“Due to the close working relationship the club has had with Leukaemia CARE over the past few years, I am fully aware of the tireless work of the fundraising team and would urge everyone to allow Leukaemia CARE to keep the entry fees paid as a festive donation and l look forward to hopefully welcoming everyone to the club in 2011. “
Those runners who have already registered and purchased their Santa suit can either hold onto them until next year's event or call the Fundraising Team on 0845 521 3456 to return the suits and have their payment reimbursed.
For further information and ideas on how to support Leukaemia CARE through this difficult time, please call the Fundraising Team on 0845 521 3456.