A group of around 70 ‘brave souls’ last Saturday battled wind, rain and freezing temperatures to dash their way to £700 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

On Saturday 4 December, Rosemere runners donned festive outfits for the eighth annual 5k Santa Dash around Avenham Park.

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The event was organised in partnership with the Central Lancs Running and Triathlon Club (CLAN).

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Community and events fundraiser for Rosemere Cancer Foundation Yvonne Stott said: “The weather conditions were just awful, so we are extremely grateful to the runners for still turning out and to all of our volunteers.

“Despite the elements, together they made the dash a great success.”

Setting the runners off was Louise Harlow, who, along with late husband Ben, founded the dash to support Rosemere and raise awareness of bowel cancer, which took Ben’s life in the summer of 2017 when he was just 38-years-old.

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By then, Ben had run the dash three times and had also run 24 post-diagnosis marathons to raise more than £40,000 for various cancer charities. Among the runners were a number of his friends.

Helping to keep the dashers on track was lead cyclist Stuart Cann and members of Lancashire Police Cadets, who helped with the marshalling.

The runners were played home by local ukulele band The Inbetweeners.

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On finishing, all runners received a medal, festive cupcakes donated by Penwortham Tesco, mince pies gifted by Bamber Bridge Morrisons and a selection of cakes donated by the police cadets.

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Are you taking part in a Santa Dash? Let us know in the comments below