Exeter Santa Run breaks ELF record

This year's Exeter Santa Run, organised by Exeter City Community Trust, saw a record 130 runners take part in aid of ELF. And what a brilliant morning we had!

The Santa Run consists of a 5km route and a 2.5km Family Run. 100+ pupils, teachers and parents from the Exe Valley Federation of Schools joined Team ELF, led by the efforts of Newton St Cyres Primary School. Former leukaemia patient Sophia is a pupil and ran alongside her mum, Serann. It was wonderful to have the school's support for a second year, celebrating the close ties formed during Sophia's blood cancer journey. (Sophia's story: 3-year-old Sophia rings the bell after 2 years of treatment! | Exeter Leukaemia Fund)

Alongside the schools taking part we also had families and friends of current and former patients, a team of AMU nurses from the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, and ELF's very own driver Pete from our Transport Service.

Completing the Exeter Santa Run was especially poignant for Imogen, Monty and Esme Moy who were running in memory of their late dad. (pictured with Exeter City FC mascot)

"We sadly lost our Daddy, Peter, in April after an 18-month journey with a rare and aggressive form of Multiple Myeloma. We ran to honour his memory and to raise money for all the incredible team at ELF and the Exeter Haematology Centre. This is our way of saying thank you to them for the care, compassion and support they gave us, and to help them continue providing treatment and comfort to other families affected by blood cancer"

The siblings raised an incredible £2,500 in Peter's memory. We were there to proudly cheer them over the finish line and all the family are in our thoughts this Christmas time.

A huge well done and THANK YOU to all the amazing people who took part in the 5k and 2.5k races in aid of ELF. We are delighted to announce that as a team you have raised over £6,000! This wonderful sum will help to ensure that families affected by blood cancer continue to receive the care and support they deserve this Christmas.

The Exeter Santa Run is one of our favourite community runs due to the joy it brings. Thank you to the team at Exeter City Community Trust for all their hard work and for allowing us to be a part of the best festive event in town!