26th November 2009
Once again, families are signing-up to take part in this year’s Ipswich Santa Run in aid of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), but for one Kesgrave family, it will mean more to them than most when they cross the finish line.
Michelle Button, of Kesgrave, will take part in the Santa Run to pay tribute to the work of EACH, who has cared for her 17-year-old daughter Lucy, for most of her life.
Lucy, who has cerebral palsy, is blind, and has to be fed via a tube in her tummy, has complex health-care needs and accesses short-break care at the EACH Ipswich hospice.
Lucy’s mum Michelle is entering the Ipswich Santa Run which takes place at 11am on Sunday December 13, with many of her family and friends including her partner Gary and her four-year-old son Oliver.
Michelle 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.
"The charity relies so heavily upon voluntary donations, which is why I want to take part in the Ipswich Santa Run to raise money and say thank you to EACH for all they have done for Lucy, me and my family."
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 at Ipswich in Suffolk, which also serves North Essex, Quidenham in Norfolk and Milton in Cambridgeshire.
This year it is anticipated that it will cost around £5.8 million to run all three hospice services - approximately 72 per cent of this is required from voluntary donations.
Karen Chesney, EACH events fundraiser, said: "Santa Runs are a great way to have fun and raise vital funds for EACH, and we hope as many people as possible sign up for the event.
"Michelle’s family is 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."
The Ipswich Santa Run takes place at 11am on Sunday December 13 and the route is approximately 3km - starting and finishing at Christchurch Park.
Adult entry is £10 and children under 13 are £5. As an added bonus, if you already own a Santa suit you can enter the Santa Run for a reduced price.Click here to enter online, or call 01953 715559 for an entry form.
Santa Runs in aid of EACH will also be taking place at the following locations:
Bury St Edmunds - November 29; Peterborough - December 5; King's Lynn – December 6; Cambridge– December 13.
