St Albans Santas standing by for 2010 Jingle Bell Jog

Gearing up for the festive run in Hertfordshire

HUNDREDS of Santas and little Reindeers are limbering up for the second Jingle Bell Jog in aid of Grove House, the St Albans day hospice.

Registration has opened for the the event which begins at 11am on Sunday, December 12, and is known as, “the festive run in Hertfordshire.”

It will kick off outside the Alban Arena with a 5km route for adults and children over 12 and a 1.5km route for younger children – both around the city centre.

To add to the excitement, stars from the Alban Arena pantomime, Peter Pan, will meet the runners, starting the children’s race at 11am and the adults’ race at 11.30am. Santa himself will be very busy greeting visitors to his grotto and there will be a festive prize draw to enter on the day for all those who raise over �50 of sponsorship before December 12.

Fundraising director for Grove House, Paul Parrish, said: “Instead of getting more unwanted socks or bubble bath for Christmas, make life easy for your family and friends by asking them to sponsor your Jingle Bell Jog instead!”

Potential Santas and Reindeers can sign up for their run online by visiting www.jinglebelljog.co.uk or by phoning the Santa Hotline on 01727 731002. Entry for adults is �15 which includes a Santa Suit to be collected when signing in on the day. Entry for children is �7.50 which includes Reindeer Ears, also to be collected on the day.

Grove House Hospice provides support for patients and their families suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Their services are free and available to anyone living in the St Albans, Harpenden and Dacorum and, as well as providing care and support for the individual with the illness, they also provide the same service for their families, both at the hospice and at home.