From snowmen to elves and Santa to the Grinch, Tamworth Castle was packed full of festive runners taking part in the annual St Giles Rudolph Run last weekend (Sunday 3rd December).

More than 300 runners took part in the 6km run and organisers were delighted to see how many people dressed up and got into the spirit.

“It was a brilliant morning and it was wonderful to see so many Santas, elves and other festive runners taking part,” said St Giles Fundraising Events Manager Zoe Westwood.

“We’d like to thank everyone who took part, as well as all of our volunteers who supported us on the day and Anytime Fitness, who did a brilliant warm up and provided the water.

“Sutton Coldfield Tuneless Choir did a great performance for us and we are grateful to Owen Slater who took also took photographs free of charge.

“An especially big thank you to Nichola and Simon Welch who started the run for us.”

Simon Welch’s life was turned upside down when he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2013.

Despite his failing health, the former Jaguar worker from Tamworth has been able to remain active with the help of caring staff at St Giles Hospice in Whittington.

Nichola said: “We have learnt a lot since we have had the care and support of the staff at St Giles hospice.  We have learnt that the hospice not just a place to go to die.  It is also very much for living,

“Simon goes to the hospice every week when he is well enough, he does some gentle exercise and crafts but most importantly he gets the chance to be himself and speak to others who understand how he feels and the worries he has.

“As a family we have all been supported with counselling, with St Giles staff going out to the children at school as well as us going to the hospice.

“I really don’t know how we would cope without the support from the hospice.

“We have also been able to benefit from some respite care which makes a huge difference to all of us.

“It has meant I have been able to do fun things with the children we wouldn’t otherwise be able to do, and Simon gets a break from us which takes away the feeling that he is a burden to us. Without fundraising events like these, the care and support we have received wouldn’t be available.”