believe housing backs festive fundraiser for Durham hospice

Thousands of children are expected to take part in a hospice’s festive fundraising event, which is being sponsored by housing association believe housing. 

Schools, nurseries and groups are urged to take part in this year’s Reindeer Run in aid of St Cuthbert’s Hospice in Durham. 

Jill Ancrum, Marketing and Communications Manager at believe housing, said: “St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a special place and, with 18,000 homes in and around County Durham and more than 600 employees, we know how valued it is in our region. 

“Last year we joined the hospice’s 88 Club and are delighted to step up our support in 2024 by sponsoring this year’s reindeer run. 

“We hope everyone taking part has lots of fun and that, once again, it raises awareness and money to support the hospice’s vital work.” 

To take part, all groups need to do is pick a date in December and hold a sponsored walk, run, wheel or skip over a distance and route that suits them.  

They can also come up with their own fun sponsored activities, such as a sponsored PE lesson, festive obstacle course, or dance-a-thon. 

Each child taking part receives a free pair of reindeer antlers and the school gets an event pack including sponsorship forms, certificates, and Christmas resources and activities. 

Over the last three years, the festive runs have raised more than £50,000 to help the hospice continue to provide free care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses, people approaching the end of life, and people that are bereaved.  

St Cuthbert’s Hospice also provides a dementia care service and community outreach project in the local area.  

Erin Wright, Community Fundraiser at St Cuthbert’s Hospice, said: “We’re so pleased believe housing are supporting our Reindeer Run this year, they’re helping us to spread the word about this fun and festive event throughout their community, and we can’t thank them enough. 

“Whilst the NHS meets some of the Hospice’s running costs through local Commissioning Groups, we need to raise an additional £2.5 million each year and it’s our community who support us to do this.  

“We can’t wait to see all of the schools in our region get involved.” 

For information on the Reindeer Run, visit www.stcuthbertshospice.com call St Cuthbert’s Hospice on 0191 386 1170 option 5 or email fundraising@stcuthbertshospice.com