FUNDRAISERS have enlisted the help of Father Christmas as they strive to achieve better financial tidings for a much-loved hospice.

St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington has relaunched its popular Letter from Santa service, offering people the opportunity to receive a personalised letter from Father Christmas.

With social distancing making visits to Santa’s grotto unlikely, hospice staff have been recruited as Santa’s helpers and are arranging personalised letters from him to be delivered to children instead.

For a suggested donation to the hospice of £5 for a personalised letter, or £10 for a letter and a cuddly elf toy, letters will be delivered week commencing Monday, December 14.

Letters are unique to each child and if people have more than one in the family, St Teresa’s Hospice will ensure that they all receive correspondence tailored to them to ensure every child has a magical moment.

Another popular fundraiser, the annual Santa Run, is being operated virtually this year, with competitors urged to compete in safe social bubbles, either joining the Elf Amble or the Santa Sprint to raise much-needed sponsorship.

Chief executive of St Teresa’s Hospice Jane Bradshaw said: “We are doing our very best to ensure Covid doesn’t steal Christmas.

“We have been in touch with Father Christmas and he is looking forward to writing to the children.

"Runners can also get Santa suits and hats to run in and we hope they will photograph themselves taking part and share these on social media, tagging us in. "They can run or walk any distance and even take the family pet.

"After the event they will receive a special medal and we hope they will raise as much money as possible for us in these difficult times.”

For details of the run and to register for a letter from Santa, follow the links at darlingtonhospice.org.uk