MORE than 500 Santas suited-up for an annual run which raised just over £20,000 for Wythall charity Acorns Children's Hospice.

Runners joined the 10th annual Acorns Santa Run on Saturday, December 2, which took part in Birmingham's Cannon Hill Park.

Participants were given a free Santa suit and took part in either a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll, for those who wanted to take things slightly easier.

Fundraisers at Birmingham’s most festive fun run also enjoyed a Christmas village complete with stalls and face painting.

Phillippa Weatherhead, senior events officer at Acorns, said: “We’re so grateful to all the Santas who turned out and helped make the 10th anniversary of the run such a special occasion.

"The atmosphere was electric and it feels like Christmas has well and truly arrived!”

All money raised in the sponsored dash around the city centre park helps the charity, which has its headquarters in Wythall, continue its vital work providing care for children and young people and support for their families.

Phillippa added: “We rely on fundraising and donations for the majority of our income, so events like the annual Santa Run in Birmingham have a real impact. It’s not only a great way of having fun but it also helps us carry on our work.”

As a thank you for taking part and joining the fundraising effort, all participants were given free entry to the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

Acorns offers a network of care for life-limited children and support to their families across the West Midlands.

In the last year, Acorns has supported over 870 children and more than 1,090 families, including those who are bereaved.

To find out more about the work of Acorns Children’s Hospice and how you can help raise vital funds, visit www.acorns.org.uk.