An international effort from a dedicated team of St Catherine’s Hospice supporters will see versions of the festive fun run take place across the United States.

Some members of #TeamCallon, who fundraise tirelessly for the Lostock Hall hospice in memory of family member Leon Callon, will take on the St Catherine’s Santa Dash across the pond.

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Other participants will complete the three-mile challenge in Lancashire and the Isle of Man.

Read more: Santa Dash for St Catherine’s Hospice to return as virtual event

Leon’s parents Alison and Ian are travelling to California to spend Christmas with son Ben, Leon’s younger brother, and wife Nikki, as well as grandchildren Jaxon Jude and Cruz Leon.

They are set to complete the sponsored Christmas fun run in their St Catherine’s Santa suits along the beach in Santa Barbara on 23 December.

Having also recruited some of Nikki’s family as well as friends and neighbours, there will be 16 of them running, jogging, walking, cycling and scooting in Leon’s memory to raise vital funds for the hospice.

The family is even spreading the word of St Catherine’s further afield in the US, with friends also completing the Santa Dash in Lake Tahoe, Nevada and North Carolina.

Read more: St Catherine’s Hospice receives much-needed £75k from Covid support fund

Back across the Atlantic and Leon’s older brother Ian and partner Maxine will be doing their own Santa Dash around Laxey in the Isle of Man, with children Kaspar and Huey also taking part.

Even Leon’s dog Elvis will be getting in the Santa Dash spirit to raise funds back home, taking part with Leon’s partner Klara and friend Phil in Lancashire.

Read more: Fulwood streets take on the Santa Dash for St Catherine’s Hospice

Alison said: “Ian and I are really looking forward to taking the St Catherine’s Santa Dash to a Californian beach!

“It will be something very special to do together in Leon’s honour over the Christmas period, and we hope to raise lots of funds to help the hospice with its important work – continuing Leon’s legacy.

“It’s also something safe, fun and festive to get us all in the Christmas spirit after what has been a difficult year.”

To sign up to the Santa Dash, click here. Entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children, and includes a Santa suit and medal.

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What do you think of the St Cath’s Santa Dash going stateside? Let us know in the comments.