FESTIVE joggers took part in the first-ever Santa Run in support of a children’s respite centre.

Sebastian’s Action Trust, which runs Bluebells holiday respite home in North Waltham, held the event in Cuckoo Meadow, North Waltham.

Dozens of families took part in the fun event. Younger runners had to run three laps of the meadow, while the older children, and their parents did 10.

Bluebells provides respite breaks for seriously-ill children and their families.

The event was put on by the North Waltham fundraising committee, with financial support from Basingstoke-based technology firm Fujitsu.

Sebastian’s Action Trust’s fundraising manager Jacqui Chapman said she hopes that the Santa Run – which pulled in £1,000 – will become a regular feature in the charity’s fundraising calendar.

She said: “We have to thank the North Waltham fundraising committee, and let’s hope the event grows from here. Today was a great starting point.”

Susan Murray, from Chineham, regularly visits Bluebells with her daughter Tabitha, eight.

Susan, who ran the course, said: “It was great fun – there was a great atmosphere.”

Mum-of-three Kitty Banks, from Eastrop, Basingstoke, ran the event with her two children, Billy, five, and Ned, six.

She said: “It is lovely seeing this level of support.

“I just know how few places there are to go when you have a sick child.”