SCORES of soggy Santas didn't let torrential rain dampen their festive spirit as they raced round a Darlington park to raise thousands for charity.
After a Covid-enforced hiatus last year, the annual St Teresa's Hospice Santa run was back in full swing on Sunday to raise vital funds for the much-loved community hospice.
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More than 220 people dressed as Santa took part in the run around Darlington's West Park after the town's Mayor Cyndi Hughes officially launched the event.
It marked the ninth annual run in aid of the hospice and chief executive Jane Bradshaw said that the public's support remains as vital as ever.
She said: "It is as an absolute privilege to do the work we do and this event means such a lot to us as it helps us keep going.
"It has been a very difficult past couple of years but the community who started the hospice in the first place has helped us survive."
Marilyn Wake, 72, was among the 223 people taking part along with her friends, sisters Carole Hudson and Lyn Simpson.
Marilyn's husband Michael was cared for at St Teresa's seven-years-ago before his passing from cancer and despite suffering a heart attack last year and having a stent fitted, Marilyn was determined to do the run.
She said: "We are soaking wet but warm inside."
Lyn added: "It is nice to give to a local charity, you know where the money is going and you go past St Teresa's on the bus every day."
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A team from Darlington Hippodrome also took part in the run, after holding a virtual event in 2020 to raise funds for the hospice.
Jenny Lancaster, the theatre's marketing officer, said: "It was very wet but great fun.
"It is a fantastic cause close to the heart of a lot of local people."
As well as the 5km Santa Sprint, the event also included a 2km Reindeer Run or Elf Amble, with each participant raising at least £15 for the hospice.
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