Schoolchildren don their reindeer antlers and red noses for hospice Rudolph Run

Schoolchildren across Barnsley are donning reindeer antlers and red noses for a new festive fundraiser in December.

The Rudolph Run is a community fundraising initiative encouraging local primary schools and community groups to take part in a festive sponsored walk or run. The money raised will be split equally between each community group and the hospice.

Holy Rood Catholic Primary School in Barnsley is one of the first primary schools to sign up. Their Rudolph Run will take place on Tuesday 17 December where children from Key Stage 1 and foundation will use the school playground and school field to carry out a sponsored walk, and children from Key Stage 2 will walk to Locke Park.

Karen Dobson, Headteacher at Holy Rood Catholic Primary School, said: “We support the hospice through many fundraising activities throughout the year, including our Christmas jumper day where all the proceeds go to the hospice, so when they approached us about doing their Rudolph Run, we were all really excited. It’s so important to us to support such a fantastic local charity.”

Primary schools and local groups including dance schools and football teams have already signed up to take part in the Rudolph Run. Each group can set the date, time and distance of their sponsored run or walk throughout December.

Vicky Stead, community fundraiser at the hospice, said: “Our Rudolph Run in the community is such a fun way for children and local groups to look forward to Christmas, while also being active and raising money to fund their own activities and hospice care.”