On Wednesday, 6th November, pupils at Essendene School in Caterham-on-the-Hill donned their Santa suits to get ready for this year's Caterham Santa Run on Sunday 17th November.

This year's run, sponsored by Gatwick Group, is taking place at Queen's Park and is 2.5k long. Families can join in the fun and raise sponsorship to help St Catherine's care for people with a terminal illness across East Surrey and Mid Sussex. Over the 12 days of Christmas, it will cost St Catherine's Hospice around £130,000 to care for patients and families in the local area.

Jen Wickham, Events Fundraiser at St Catherine's said: "Taking part in our Santa Run is a great way to start the Christmas season, get the family together and raise money for a good cause. St Catherine's must raise £15,000 every day to continue to provide care and comfort for terminally ill people, so events like our Santa Run really do make a difference. We ho-ho-hope to see you there!"

Mrs Ali, Headteacher of Essendene Lodge School said: "We are very happy to support the work of St Catherine's Hospice. A terminal illness is difficult to face, regardless of the season, but at Christmas time, the comfort and care that St Catherine's provides for local people can be particularly important. Our students love getting dressed up in their Santa suits and can't wait to take part in the run for this important cause."

Runners can register online at www.stch.org.uk/santarun