CLAIRE House is urging our readers to join their team of runners for this year's Liverpool Santa Dash.

The organisation has announced as the official charity partner for the festive 5k run event, highly regarded as the city’s kick-start to Christmas, which takes place on Sunday, December 1.

It starts at 9.30am that day from Pier Head Liverpool.

Each year, the city is transformed into a sea of red, blue and mini Santas enjoying the inclusive festive experience.

The accessible event is open to everyone, and each year attracts thousands of walkers, joggers and runners.

Claire House helps seriously ill and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life.

By providing specialist nursing care and emotional support, the charity strives to help families smile again when life is tough.

Over the past six years, the charity has seen an 84% increase in the number of children using the hospice – and therefore needs to increase the care it can offer families in their homes, help more children at its Wirral hospice, and increase the services it can offer in Liverpool.

Laura Fallon, running and challenge fundraiser at Claire House, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be the official charity partner for this year's BTR Liverpool Santa Dash.

"This is always an amazing event, which really gets everyone in the festive spirit.

"Everyone who chooses to run for Claire House will help us to make Christmas easier for families facing the toughest of times.

"We're inviting everyone to do something important this Christmas by joining our team at the Liverpool Santa Dash.

"If you pledge to raise at least £60 for Claire House you can sign up for free – our fundraising participants will also be invited to join us at our Santa Dash Breakfast After Party.

"Our volunteers and families are looking forward to cheering on our Santas as they cross the finish line on December 1, while our mascot Claire Bear can't wait to officially start the Mini Dash."

The Santas will follow a route from Pier Head Liverpool, through the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool estate, and round Liverpool city centre.

They will cross the finish line outside Liverpool Town Hall, where they will be greeted by stilt walking characters and 'real' snow, before collecting their commemorative Santa Dash finishers' medal.

BTR Race Director Alan Rothwell said: "We're delighted to once again be supporting the work of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

"The support they offer at their bases in Wirral and Liverpool, as well as in the wider community, is vital for families when they need help the most.

"Claire House volunteers can often be seen at BTR events manning water stations or greeting runners with their medals as they cross the finish line, we're very grateful for their continued support."

To join the Claire House team at this year’s BTR Liverpool Santa Dash telephone 0151 343 0883, email events@clairehouse.org.uk or visit www.clairehouse.org.uk for more details.

You can find out more about this year's BTR Liverpool Santa Dash at

https://www.btrliverpool.com/santa-dash