On the cold morning of Saturday 3rd December, the Knowsley Children in Care Health Team took on the 5k run through Liverpool city in their red and blue santa suits in aid of supporting children in care.
The Knowsley Children in Care Team supports the health and well-being of children from birth to age 25 and many children and young people arrive to the team with very little. The funds have been raised to Mersey Care's Give a Gift to Children in Care Appeal, which supports children transitioning with essential items and birthday gifts.
Funds raised will allow the team to provide tailored welcome packages containing essentials such as a night bag, toothbrushes, sanitary products and pyjamas and also supports young people leaving care.
Pictured in their santa suits is Michael Allcock, Nicky Mitchell and Holly Seeger who all did a fantastic finish as a team on the 5k through the city and raised over £500 for the appeal.
Michael Allcock, Team Manager for Knowsley Look after service, said:
"There was an incredible atmosphere running the Santa Dash and it was amazing seeing so many people coming together. The city of Liverpool is brilliant at uniting people and making a difference."
The Give a Gift to Children in Care Appeal is aiming to raise it's first £10,000 to start the process which can help hundreds of children across Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens and Sefton access essential packages and make a huge difference during challenging times.
The Santa Dash 2023 was organised by BTR Liverpool; who host running events and challenges across Merseyside. Mersey Cares, the Mersey Care NHS Charity, are pleased to announce that we will be working with BTR Liverpool for 2024 as one of their Charity Partners in efforts to raise funds for our work within their 2024 events.
"It was humbling to know that we were doing something to improve the experience of care for children who come into contact with our service as well as supporting Alder Hey Hospital which we are extremely lucky to have on our door step! The mix of blue and red was great as well- I think the blue santas looked the best though!
We're very pleased to announce that registrations are now being taken for a range of 2024 BTR events in aid of Mersey Cares, to which you can further explore here.
If you wish to put on a santa suit and run for the next Santa Dash event, you can register your place for 2024.
