Countdown begins for local Christmas charity fun run
GOSPORT RESIDENTS have been invited to participate in the ‘Christmas Pud 5k’ as the annual event announced its return for 2024; the festive occasion hoping to continue the countdown for December 25 and further raise much needed monies for two brilliant organisations.
The annual charity fun run has been jointly organised by the Gosport Rotary Club and the Absolute 545 RunClub over a number of weeks. And this 2024 edition is scheduled to take place on December 1 (Sunday) with local residents able to join in the fun; no matter their running abilities.
The event will be raising money for two beneficiaries; the first being the Harbour Cancer Trust as they continue to offer support for families, carers and friends who are dealing with the impact of cancer. Baycroft School in Stubbington will be the second group to benefit from this occasion with funds set to pay for swimming lessons for students with special needs.
More than 250 people of all ages took part in last year’s 5k event, either running, walking or jogging in a variety of festive costumes from the Bayside Cabin to Fort Gilkicker and back. Over £2,000 was raised for the Harbour Cancer Trust thanks to all of the kind contributions from all involved.
Amongst the fun and laughter of those involved there is also poignant moments from last year’s event that are still remembered today. One of these is the family of Kelly Broster, who decided to take part in the event just weeks after the mother-of-two’s death.
Kelly, from Gosport, who had been supported by the Harbour Cancer Trust, was determined to take part in the seaside event, but sadly lost her two-year battle with bowel cancer. So to mark the occasion, Kelly’s family and friends completed the 5k journey in her memory. Kelly’s own JustGiving page raised an additional £2,300 for the Harbour Cancer Trust.
Every finisher in this year’s run will each receive a Christmas pudding, with chocolate treats on hand for the youngsters involved. And if that isn’t enough, Father Christmas is also expected to make an early appearance before he returns to the North Pole.
The Christmas Pud 5k will start at 10:15am on Sunday 1 December. Entry costs £10 for adults, £5 for children, with a £25 family ticket available for two adults and two children. Tickets can be booked here if readers would like to take part in this amazing event; whilst more information may be explored on this poster.
PICTURED: Runners line up on the start line for last year’s Christmas Pud 5k event, which took place in Stokes Bay area of Gosport.
