Hundreds of people have donned their best Father Christmas outfits and taken part in a 5k Santa Dash to raise money for the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

Over 500 people (and the odd dog!) dressed up as Santa in near freezing temperature and completed a 5k dash around Danson Park on Sunday, December 1, aiming to raise £25,000 for the hospice.

A host of different groups from the local community took part, including the Police Cadets, Good Gym Bexley and Nuffield Health Chislehurst who helped out with an energetic warm-up.

Students from the London School of Performing Arts performed a medley of festive songs, and a number of volunteers from the Hospice helped organise and cheer on the Santa dashers.

Augusta Adu, the Hospice Events Manager, thanked all those that took part and said the aim was to raise £25,000, enough to cover the costs of a community nurse for almost six months.

She said: "Every Santa Dasher who took on Sunday will make a huge difference to the families that the Hospice support.

"They are helping families to spend quality time together at Christmas; helping them to make special memories that will last a life-time.

"Santa Dashers fundraising will help ensure that we can care for people at home; so that they can spend their final weeks, months or even years in the comfort of their own homes, with those who mean the most to them.”

News Shopper:

The event was sponsored by T G Baynes, who handed out goodie bags and medals to everyone at the end of the 5k run.

One of the event marshals, Sandy, said the feedback was that the event was a big success.

“It was a really fabulous event and a great morning all round. Runners kept telling me how very well organized the whole event was!”

So far around £7,000 has been raised, with sponsorship collections ongoing. If you'd like to donate, follow this link.