Fylde coast Masons, their family and friends, including some of the four-legged variety, changed their traditional black suits and morning suits for a red Santa suit. The event saw over 1,700 gather for the annual Brian House Children’s Hospice Santa Dash.
Brian House provides respite, palliative and end of life care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions. That means they care for youngsters both during the day and overnight, and they support their families at every step of what can be an unpredictable journey. Brian House is about making the most of every day and packing all sorts of experiences and happiness into lives that can be all too short.
The event for the North Fylde Group was spearheaded by the group chairman John Cross with Clive Chenery of Wyre Lodge No 7704 instrumental in coordinating the fundraising efforts between North Fylde, South Fylde and Blackpool Groups.
Starting from the town’s iconic Sandcastle Water Park, an expanse of red jogged, walked and toddled the 3km to the town’s famous central pier and back singing carols all the way and being cheered on by supporting crowd of spectators.
Keeping a watchful eye on all of the participants, were the stewards with three notable additions in the form of Jim Gregson, the North Fylde Group Treasurer and his furry assistants Bailey and Wispa. To complete a successful event all the participants were treated to finisher’s medal as a memento of the event.
On hand to receive the cheque for £1,450 was Brian House nurse, Chloe James, with John Robbie Porter, Assistants to the Provincial Grand Principals, the North Fylde Group Chairman John Cross and Jim Gregson. The total raised by all three groups exceeded £2,500.