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A festive dash for charity cash

Tuesday, 10 December 2019 13:17

By Ken Bennett

Community giants Saddleworth Round Table have been praised for raising a record-breaking five-figure sum at their Santa Dash last weekend.

Around 1,500 fun-loving Santas, backed by enthusiastic supporters, created a tidal wave of love as they swept on their colourful journey through Uppermill last Saturday.

Their efforts notched up more than £13,000, which will be reallocated through Saddleworth Round Table's giving initiative. 

And the new location for the Santa Dash in Uppermill Park provided a safe, fun space for all revellers, with the all-new route creating participants finishing in record time. Changes to the start-finish line also saw a busier and livelier Christmas Market in the middle of the park.  

Ed Burbidge, the event lead, said: "I'm delighted the day went so well. It was my first year in this role and to have raised a record amount is still a bit of a shock.

“I’d like to thank the people of Saddleworth for turning up and making the fifth dash such a special day."

Andy Rothwell, Round Table chairman, said: "Last year, we donated more than £20,000 to local community groups and fellow charities. None of that would be possible were it not for the generous contributions from local people and businesses.  

"With the increased revenue from Santa Dash and other successful events, we have our sights firmly set on beating last year's donations.”

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Adding a poignant note to the event, a model star in memory of Round Table stalwart and local butcher Paul Lowcock shone brightly from a Christmas tree.

The Winter Wonderland Saddleworth lights committee are looking for ideas and further funding to make this switch-on in the park permanent in 2020.  

Meantime, Saddleworth Round Table say they are always happy to hear from local good causes.

No matter how much money you're looking to raise, big or small, check out Saddleworth Round Table’s Facebook page, where arrangements can be made to pitch for funding at their monthly meetings.  

Next year's Santa Dash will be held on December 5, and Round Table say many events are planned next year - launching with 'Bangers and Laughs' Comedy Night at the White Hart, Lydgate, on January 10.

Winners of the Santa Dash 2019:

2km (Boys): 1. Oliver Redfern, 2. Joe Procter, 3. Ryan Taylor.
2km (Girls): 1. Isabel Farmacy, 2. Isabel Wood, 3. Amy Cummings.
2km (Man): 1. Anthony Lamb.
2km (Woman):  1. Sarah Stramand
5km (Boys): 1. Hayden Taylor, 2. Jonas Viella,  3. Connor Whitehead.
5km (Girls): 1. Alice Cunningham, 2. Sarah Rexshaw, 3. Emily Hummann.
5km (Man): 1. Carl Jones
5km (Woman):  1. Jenny Hart.

Video and images by Nigel Wood

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