Santa Dash competitor is back – returning this time as a toddler

Alexander Knowles caught everyone’s eye when he completed last year’s Santa Dash and Reindeer Run snuggled inside mum Kathryn’s Santa suit.

But a year on, he’ll be taking part again and, though he’s not quite up to dashing yet, he might manage a wobbly start before climbing in his pushchair to whizz along beside four-year-old brother Theodore.

The boys will be joining in the fun of the hospice fundraiser on the morning of Sunday December 13 when crowds will gather at Filey Country Park for a 1.5-mile sprint, stroll or saunter along the seafront to Royal Parade.

Mum Kathryn and her husband, Alan, run Cura Financial Services Ltd, a company specialising in providing insurance for people with health problems. “We like to support the hospice because it’s a local charity and because we hear nothing but good comments about the work it does,” Kathryn said.

Fundraiser Louise Gravestock said the Santa Dash was one of the hospice’s biggest family events.

“What makes it really special is seeing so many families turning out to start their Christmas by having fun together,” she said.

“It’s a lovely feeling to come together as a community and support the families who need our help.”

To sign up for the event, call (01723) 378406 or visit the hospice website at www.stcatherineshospice-nyorks.org. Registration is £10, including a free Santa suit fitting ages 12-plus, or £5 for reindeer antlers and flashing noses.