HUNDREDS of Santas – and a good few reindeer – joined the Iain Rennie Grove House festive fun runs in St Albans on Sunday.

The 1.5km Reindeer Run designed for families and the 5km Jingle Bell Jog for adults and children over 10 are jointly expected to raise more than �10,000 to support the work of the hospice.

Spreading festive cheer amongst participants was Phil Gallagher, BBC CBeebies Mister Maker, who is starring in this year’s Alban Arena panto, Aladdin.

Phil started both races and many of the Reindeer Runners were very excited to meet him as they set off from the Waterend Barn. Crowds of supporters gathered there to cheer the runners on and to enjoy the entertainment from Heart FM and refreshments.

The winners of each race received medals from Cllr Eileen Harris, the Mayor of St Albans, who presented them on behalf of the hospice. She was joined by her husband, Richard and by Deputy Mayor, Cllr Julie Bell and her husband, Simon.

The Mayor said: “I was very impressed by both the costumes and the athletic abilities of the contestants. Most importantly, it is wonderful that so much money has been raised for a very worthwhile cause.”

Gillian Barnett, fundraising and marketing director at Grove House said: “We are very grateful to the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for presenting the medals, and to everyone who supported us on Sunday.

“All the proceeds from the Jingle Bell Jog and Reindeer Run will help our nurses to carry on caring, both in our day hospice and in patients’ own homes. It costs �20 for an hour of nursing care so every penny of sponsorship money raised is very welcome.”