Santa fun run raises hope and funds for Manchester's homeless

Nearly 50 'Santas' aged from 5 to 75 invaded the streets of Prestwich and Kersal in Greater Manchester on Saturday for a two-mile fun run.

The event, which was part of the HOPE 2008 year of united church activities, was organised by Geoff Williams from St Paul's, Kersal and St Andrew's, Carr Clough, Prestwich. Runners were sponsored in aid of the Christian charity Barnabus which works with homeless people in Manchester city centre.

Mr Williams said: "We really wanted to do something positive in this HOPE year to highlight and support the excellent work that Barnabus does with homeless men and women in Manchester.

"The Santa fun run was a great way to do this, to raise much needed funds and to have a lot of fun at the same time!"

Runner Ruth Saunders ran with her children, Alice, 7, and Jacob, 9, all dressed as Santa.

She said: "I was a bit embarrassed about being seen out in public dressed as Santa but motorists just kept beeping their car horns and waving, there were even whole busloads of passengers waving as they passed us - it turned out to be a really good laugh and the atmosphere was brilliant!"

Rector of the parish, Rev Lisa Battye, happily swapped her clerical robes for a Santa suit to join the fun.

She said: "There was a real spirit of joy throughout the entire event. It was a great way of demonstrating God's love for the world, by supporting those in greatest need whilst enjoying a good laugh with friends old and new."