Over 300 festive runners filled the streets of Kidderminster on Sunday 7th December for the 2025 KEMP Hospice Santa Fun Run, raising an impressive £17,000 to support local hospice care across the Wyre Forest.
The much-loved annual event now in its 18th year, brought together families, seasoned runners, community groups, and first-time participants – each donning their Santa suits to support KEMP Hospice’s compassionate, free-of-charge care for those facing life-limiting illnesses.
Ian Carr, Head of Fundraising & Communications at KEMP Hospice, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with both the turnout and the phenomenal amount raised this year. The Santa Fun Run is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar and seeing so many people come together in such a fun and positive way is truly heartwarming. Whether participants walked, ran, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines, everyone played a part in helping us continue our vital work. We are incredibly grateful.”
The event, kindly sponsored by Talbots Law and Gaunts of Kidderminster, featured a timed 10K race, a festive 5K fun run, and a 1K Santa Dash for children, with Bewdley Bootcamp leading with an energetic warm-up. The ever-popular event also moved to a new location this year at Wolverley Memorial Hall.
Anna, Community & Events Fundraiser at KEMP Hospice said “The new starting location was so well received, with a great new route which saw 10K runners passing by KEMP Hospice, a great reminder of why their support is so important. We also introduced some fun activities for their spectators to enjoy while they are out on the course, including a café, KEMP retail, crafts, and face painting activities. It really was a family event and was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the festive fun”.
KEMP Hospice provides all its services completely free of charge, but delivering day hospice care, family support, and bereavement services costs around £2.1 million every year. Funds raised from the Santa Fun Run will directly support these essential services, helping ensure KEMP can continue to be there for local individuals and families now and in the future.
For more information about KEMP Hospice or to find out how you can support their work, please visit kemphospice.org.uk.
