AROUND 250 people are expected to take part in this year's When You Wish Upon a Star Great Nottingham Santa Run to help raise money for poorly kids to visit Lapland.
The run, spread over a 5km circuit around Colwick Park, raises funds for the annual trip to see Santa for around 100 seriously ill children.
Sam Spencer, fundraising assistant at the Basford-based charity, said: "We raise cash for the Lapland trip throughout the year, but this is a really important part of that.
"All the money raised from the Santa Run will go towards the Lapland trip.
"For this one special day the children can forget about their pain and suffering in the excitement of meeting Santa."
The charity aims to grant the wishes of children suffering from life-threatening illnesses.
One of those who was taken to Lapland last year was Max Hill from Mapperley.
The year before he had been diagnosed with leukaemia, spending four months in hospital, and he still has more than a year of treatment to go.
Despite this in the last year he has taken part in the Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon and raised £1,300, as he really wanted to send a child and their parent or guardian to Lapland – which costs £800.
Speaking to the Post, Max said: "Going to Lapland was one of the most fantastic experiences of my life – there was just so much snow.
"It was really magical, there were so many reindeer – everywhere you looked you could see reindeer and huskies."
Talking about his fundraising efforts with the 1.5-mile mini marathon, Max said: "I wanted to raise money for that charity because they gave me that time and I wanted to give something back.
"The best thing about going to Lapland was I got to see the real Santa Claus.
"I wanted to raise money so that two more people could experience what I had."
Max actually raised £2,600 by taking part in the run – but gave £1,300 for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.
His mother Louise said: "He struggles with his walking because of the chemotherapy.
"It may seem a small amount for us to walk or run but for him it was like doing 10 miles.
"We are enormously proud of him, he's been through so much and he's still going through so much now."
The Santa Run takes place on Sunday, December 2.
There will be a 'festive warm up' with a zumba instructor, plus music and entertainment.
The start time is 10am, and registration starts at 9am.
Entry is £12.50 for adults, which includes a Santa Suit to keep, and £7.50 for children, which includes a Christmas hat to keep.
Entrants will also receive a medal for taking part.
Register at www.thesantarun.org.uk or call 0115 979 1720.
Are you taking part in the santa run? Call our newsdesk on 0115 948 2000 or e-mail us at: newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk
