St Catherine’s virtual Santa Dash goes stateside!

An international effort from a dedicated team of St Catherine’s Hospice supporters will see versions of the charity’s festive fun run take place across the United States.

Some members of #TeamCallon – who fundraise tirelessly for the hospice in memory of their son, brother, partner, uncle and friend Leon Callon – will take the St Catherine’s Santa Dash across the pond, while others will complete the three-mile challenge closer to home in Lancashire and also the Isle of Man.

Leon’s parents Alison and Ian are travelling to California to spend Christmas with son Ben – Leon’s younger brother – and wife Nikki, as well as grandchildren Jaxon Jude, aged four, and Cruz Leon, aged two.

They will complete the sponsored Christmas fun run in their St Catherine’s Santa suits along the beach in Santa Barbara on December 23. Having also recruited some of Nikki’s family as well as friends and neighbours, there will be an incredible 16 of them running, jogging, walking, cycling and scooting in Leon’s memory to raise vital funds for the hospice.

And they’re even spreading the word of St Catherine’s further afield in the US – with friends also completing the Santa Dash in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, and North Carolina.

Back across the Atlantic and Leon’s older brother Ian and partner Maxine will be doing their own Santa Dash around Laxey in the Isle of Man, with children Kaspar, aged six, and Huey, aged four, also taking part. Even Leon’s dog Elvis will be getting in the Santa Dash spirit to raise funds back home, taking part with Leon’s partner Klara and friend Phil in Lancashire.

Alison said: “Ian and I are really looking forward to taking the St Catherine’s Santa Dash to a Californian beach! It will be something very special to do together in Leon’s honour over the Christmas period, and we hope to raise lots of funds to help the hospice with its important work – continuing Leon’s legacy. It’s also something safe, fun and festive to get us all in the Christmas spirit after what has been a difficult year.”

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at St Catherine’s, thanked Alison and the team for their ongoing support.

“Once again we’re blown away by the efforts of #TeamCallon and their commitment to the hospice. And we can’t wait to see photos from the various people taking part in different places across the US and the UK!

“We’d love to welcome more people to join them in this virtual version of our popular Christmas event. The money raised will help us as we work through these challenging times, caring for patients and families so they can enjoy the best possible quality of life together – at Christmas and beyond.”

• To sign up to the Santa Dash, click here or call 01772 629171. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children and includes a Santa suit and medal.

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