Runners of all abilities are being invited to sign up now for this year’s Boxing Day run at Hindhead.
The 3.5-mile run will start at the National Trust Café at the Devil’s Punchbowl. The route is completely off-road and takes in some stunning views and beautiful countryside. There are separate categories for males and females and a very popular drinkers’ category, which includes a pint of winter ale part way round the course.
Race organiser Matt Dellar says: “This will be the 14th Boxing Day run in its current format and every year we see more and more people joining in. It is a great family event and in 2013 we saw children, dogs and plenty of Santas taking part! The race also attracts many serious runners who want to blow off some of the Christmas excess.
“Whatever people’s motivation may be for entering, I am always really pleased that the race helps to raise so much money for Holy Cross Hospital. This is a local charitable organisation that provides highly specialised services for people with very severe physical disabilities.”
Over the years, donations from the Boxing Day race have helped to buy additional items of equipment for patients who have severe head or spinal injuries. Many of the purchases have benefitted patients by helping them to lead a more fulfilling and independent life.
The very generous donation of £3,000 from last year’s race was partly used to acquire new patient monitoring equipment. Nursing Services Manager, Gina Guo says: ”The monitors allow us to obtain vital information about a patient both quickly and accurately. This helps us to plan and provide appropriate treatment.”
The remainder of the money was spent on a recumbent exercise bike for the outpatients’ gym at The Physiotherapy Centre. The bike places the rider in a laid-back, reclining position making it ideal for rehabilitation.
Speaking about the difference the bike has made to her patients, Karen Ford, Outpatient Physiotherapist says: “Patients are really enjoying the comfort of exercising on our new bike and it is so much easier to get on and off than a conventional exercise bike. Some of our patients have not been on a bike for years so it has been thrilling to see the great progress they have made thanks to this form of exercise.”
To guarantee a space in the 2014 Boxing Day race, anybody wishing to take part is strongly encouraged to register in advance. It costs £10 to enter and £12 for the drinkers’ category. A limited number of spaces may be available on the day of the race. To register, or to find out further details about the race arrangements, please visit www.boxingdayrun.org.
