Katharine House will be spreading more Christmas joy again this year with its annual Santa Fun Run. 

Back by popular demand, the sponsored run will see hundreds of festively dressed participants band together to take-on the 5k or 1.5k challenge on 3 December at Spiceball Park, Banbury from 11am. 

As in previous years, Santa suits will be available for those that would still like to use them, but this year, in an effort to cut down on waste, the hospice is offering runners a couple of greener options too, giving them a choice to reuse an old Santa suit, wear something red or just opt for a Santa hat. 

Dee Loader (see below, second left at the back) and a group of her close school pals, who have known each other for over 25 years, took part in last year’s Santa Fun Run in memory of their friend Lisa who died at the hospice in 2015 at the age of 29. 

Dee, who is planning on taking part again this year, said: "Katharine House Hospice was so kind and supportive during a very difficult time and we wanted to give back to say thank you. Our whole friendship group took part. And we decided to make it a little harder by including our children, all aged between the ages of two and eight! It’s festive fun for everyone and a fabulous fundraising opportunity.

"Katharine House Hospice was so kind and supportive during a very difficult time and we wanted to give back to say thank you. Even after she had died, we were allowed to visit and say goodbye. Lisa was at peace there and this was so reassuring to her friends and family. Katharine House is incredibly important for our community and we’re very lucky to have it." 

Katharine House provides a wide range of services to support adults with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their family and friends, from the point of diagnosis onwards, helping people make the most of the time they have left and create quality memories with their loved ones.

Find out more about the Santa Fun Run