Northern Ireland Hospice has launched its annual Festive 5K fun run, the first of a series of events over Christmas which aims to raise £500k for the local charity.

NI Hospice is now calling on runners, walkers, families and festive fun-lovers to get their Christmas season off to a flying start at this year’s Festive 5k Run. The popular fundraising event returns to V36 at Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey, on Sunday 6th December, bringing a morning of Christmas cheer, community spirit and fundraising fun – all in support of Hospice’s vital care work.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a weekend walker or simply looking for a fun way to get into the festive spirit, the Festive 5k promises something for everyone. And there’s plenty of fun for younger participants too, with the 1k Reindeer Dash, sponsored by Ashdale Engineering, giving little runners the chance to don their antlers and dash their way to the finish line.

Joining the launch event was four-time gold medal-winning Paralympian runner Michael McKillop, an Ambassador for NI Children’s Hospice, alongside Colin Simms, from Ashdale Engineering; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan; and The Singing Santa, who will be bringing his festive entertainment and Christmas cheer to the event.

Pictured at the launch of NI Hospice's Festive 5k event are (from left) Conal Duffy, NI Hospice’s Chief Income Officer; Paralympic runner and NI Children's Hospice Ambassador Michael McKillop; Councillor Henry Cushinan, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey; The Singing Santa; and Colin Simms, Operations Director at Ashdale Engineering, sponsors of the 1k Reindeer Dash. Sign up now at www.nihospice.org/festive5k

Michael McKillop said: “It’s brilliant to see the Festive 5k return and to be here supporting Northern Ireland Hospice. I know from my own experience how powerful it is when a community gets behind a cause, and this event is a great example of people coming together to make a difference.

“You don’t have to be a top runner to take part – you can run, walk, jog or simply enjoy the atmosphere. What matters is getting involved and helping raise funds for the incredible care provided by the Hospice. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the start line and hopefully there will be plenty of festive outfits, Christmas jumpers and reindeer antlers along the way!”

Conal Duffy, Chief Income Officer at Northern Ireland Hospice, said: “We’re aiming to raise £500,000 from all of our fundraising activities this Christmas, so we are now delighted to launch this year’s Festive 5k. We are encouraging everyone to sign up, get their fundraising under way and make Sunday 6th December a date for the diary!

“The Festive 5k is one of those wonderful events that brings people together for a morning of fun, laughter and a little bit of friendly competition, while making a very real difference to families across Northern Ireland. Everyone who gets involved is helping us to continue providing specialist palliative care to babies, children and adults, and supporting their families when they need us most.

Colin Simms, Operations Director at Ashdale Engineering, sponsors of the 1k Reindeer Dash, said: “We’re delighted to support Northern Ireland Hospice and to sponsor the Reindeer Dash this year. It’s fantastic to be part of an event that brings families and the local community together for such an important cause.

“The Reindeer Dash is guaranteed to be full of smiles, excitement and festive fun, and we can’t wait to see all those little reindeer crossing the finish line in December!”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome the Hospice’s Festive 5k back to the Borough and to support an event which combines community spirit, family fun and fundraising for such an important cause.

“NI Hospice provides invaluable care and support to local people and families, and events like this are a wonderful way for our community to come together and show their support. I would encourage people of all ages and abilities to sign up, get involved and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic festive morning here in Newtownabbey.”

With The Singing Santa also set to make a special appearance at the December event, participants can expect plenty of festive entertainment alongside the run, with Christmas spirit guaranteed from start to finish.

Registration for the NI Hospice Festive 5k and 1k Reindeer Dash is now open. So gather your family, friends and colleagues, dig out your Christmas jumpers and get ready to run, walk, dash and jingle your way into the festive season.

Sign up today at www.nihospice.org/festive5k and start your fundraising journey.

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