The chance to dress up as Father Christmas and dash through either Richmond Park or Bushy Park is returning this winter.

Esher-based Princess Alice Hospice's Santa Fun Run is back for its 10th edition on December 3 at Richmond Park and December 10 at Bushy Park.

The charity, which specialises in providing free end-of-life care to people across Surrey, south west London and Middlesex, currently looks after more than 800 people and is supported by Richmond Park and North Kingston MP, Zac Goldsmith.

Mr Goldsmith said: “Princess Alice Hospice cares for patients in the community, as well as at the hospice itself and last year specialist teams from the hospice made over 15,200 visits and looked after over 2,000 people in the community.”

The charity is funded mainly through voluntary donations, with only 26 per cent coming from the NHS, so events like the Santa Fun Run are imperative.

Nigel Seymour, director of fundraising at the hospice, said: “We rely on fundraising and community support to help us generate three quarters of the £9.5 million we need every year to provide hospice care free of charge.”

Mr Goldsmith added: “The annual Santa Fun Run is a great way to help them raise vital funds, keep fit and enjoy the unique beauty of Richmond Park.”

Places are quickly running out so, if you’d like to sign up – and receive a free Santa suit (if you’re an adult or teenager) or a free elf hat (if you’re under 13) – you can by visiting the website: pah.org.uk/santafunrun.