We saw a fantastic return of Blackpool Santa Dash as more than 1,800 Santas took to the prom for a dash which has raised £35,000 for our dedicated children’s hospice, Brian House.

Santa Dash is a festive favourite on the Fylde coast, seeing participants wearing their free Santa outfit for a 3km run, walk or jog up to promenade and back, all for our charity.

And full of festive cheer it was, as those hoping for a white Christmas were even treated to a spot of snow foam just before the race started.

With sponsor money still coming in, we’re expecting Santa Dash to have raised an incredible £35,000 which will go a long way in helping us to provide our outstanding specialist care to poorly children across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre.

We know Santa Dash officially kick-starts the festive season for many people.

It is always wonderful to see Blackpool’s famous promenade transformed into a sea of red as hundreds of Santas and many dogs take part in this event, all supporting the only children’s hospice on the Fylde coast.

We are always so grateful to the incredible people who take part in their event and raise sponsorship so we can provide vital support to our area’s most fragile children and their families.

Some of our Brian House families took part, and we know how much it meant to them to see so many people having fun while raising money for our charity – their lifeline.

New for this year, three lucky dashers won a cash prize and five won a £50 Smyths Toys voucher courtesy of event sponsor, The Kentown Wizard Foundation.

We are so lucky to have our incredible friends at Kentown Wizard – we know they made a few people’s Christmas at the event. A huge thanks to them, and to the amazing volunteers who gave their time so we could put on this fantastic family event.