Thousands of Santas thundered through Clapham Common to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital children’s charity.

Protected from the cold with their full beards and red bobble hats, around 2,800 Father Christmas doppelgangers charged through the park on Sunday, December 4.

The St. Nicks ran the 5km course, with the fitter festive fathers pushing the run to 10km, to help raise money for the hospital and make a difference to seriously ill children from across the UK.

Wandsworth Times: Mia, 5, and her mum Claire VincentMia, 5, and her mum Claire Vincent

Five-year-old patient Mia was the special guest of the day and she officially began the race by sounding the starting klaxon.

Mia, from Palmers Green, North London, was born with CHARGE syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect different parts of the body. In Mia’s case she is deafblind and has difficulties with her balance.

Claire Vincent, Mia’s mum, said: “We signed up to The London Santa Dash because the hospital has done so much for Mia and we cannot thank them enough.

“We also stayed in parent accommodation, which the charity funds, so I know how important that is to families.

“Because of Mia’s balance, just walking across the room is a challenge, so the Santa Dash was a big adventure for her and we are so proud of her for taking this on.

“Mia is such a determined little girl that she has overcome her difficulties to learn to walk, run and climb, and we have all loved being part of this event.” Mia’s mum,