Delayed Santa Run worth the wait for Wolverhampton sight charity as event raises record amount

The centre has revealed that its annual Santa Run has reached a record-breaking fundraising total, despite having to be held in January.

The event, which was originally due to take place in early December before it was postponed due to Storm Darragh, went ahead on January 26 and the charity has now revealed it raised almost £7,000, the highest total in its nine-year-history.

Almost 200 Santas turned out in West Park in Wolverhampton to spread some festive cheer well into the new year.

Sarah Dovey, fundraising manager at the Beacon Centre for the Blind, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our Santa Run has raised so much money to help people live well with sight loss, particularly in our 150^th year.

“It is incredibly heartening to see our community come together, undeterred by the challenges posed by Storm Darragh. 

"The fact that we raised nearly £7,000, including £170 from on-the-day sales, is a true demonstration of the resilience and generosity of our supporters.

“Thank you to everyone who took part, including families, children, adults, and even our four-legged friends, as your support enables us to continue making a difference for people with sight loss.”

To mark Beacon’s 150^th anniversary, the charity has announced that a number of fundraising opportunities are taking place throughout the year, including a loose change box campaign in February. 

Members of the public can collect a free loose change box from any of the charity’s shops or at its centre in Sedgley and save their small change to help make a big difference.

To find out more, go to the Beacon Centre for the Blind website.