The first Ross-on-Wye Santa Run and Tinsel Toddle in aid of the British Heart Foundation was a great success. The event organiser, Becky Flynn, who lives in Walford, was delighted that more than 40 adults and children braved the cold but sunny morning on Sunday, December 4th to run, jog or walk 2.5 km around the town.

A fun festive warm up routine by Lisa Fraser was enjoyed by all, with some of the smaller children joining her on stage. Father Christmas joined everyone to send them on their way. Following the Santa signs, and with the support of volunteer stewards, everyone made their way around the route that took them by the beautiful River Wye which looked stunning in the morning frost.

They got to enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights and tree in town before heading back to the Sports Centre. Most of those taking part were wearing Christmas fancy dress, and Becky told the Gazette that they caused lots of interest.

Jack the reindeer was first back in a very speedy time followed by Daniel Lister. Finley Franklin won the children’s prize for his reindeer costume. Waiting for everyone was an amazing medal in the shape of a Christmas bauble, engraved with the event details, as well as a mince pie. There were also prizes for the best fancy dress, chosen by Father Christmas.

Waiting for the children to return were Mo and Peter the donkeys, as the reindeers are resting ready for their big night. Mo and Peter were in their festive outfits and the children loved meeting them and having a cuddle. Becky was very grateful to Ross Community First Responders who were on hand but thankfully not needed and to Scaffolding 2000 who sponsored the event, meaning that every penny raised, £402, went to the British Heart Foundation.

Becky told the Gazette that in just two months she is 60% toward the goal of raising £5000 for the BHF. Becky hopes that this event, and some of the others she has planned will be annual occasions for the people of Ross. The next Santa Dash is in the diary for the morning of Sunday December 3rd, 2017.

The reason Becky is fundraising for the BHF is because her brother Jonathan died last year of Giant Cell Myocarditis at just 21 years old. She said:?“Christmas is an especially difficult time of the year, growing up together it was one of our favourite times and our family have some very special memories of Jonathan.”

Becky is delighted by all the support she has received, she has also been very moved by other people’s stories of loss, and hope, in relation to heart disease.

Becky is planning to meet with Herefordshire Heartstart next week in the hope of becoming one of their volunteers, working with those are teaching CPR, and other first aid, to people across Herefordshire.

This is a programme set up by the British Heart Foundation which aims to make us a nation of lifesavers.