Almost 150 sprinting Santas dashed around Macclesfield to raise funds for the East Cheshire Hospice.

The event took place on Sunday (December 7) at King's School's playing fields off Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, and so far has managed to raise more than £2,500 for the 50/50/50 fundraising initiative.

The 50/50/50 challenge group was formed in honour of the late Adam Broadbent who passed away from cancer in August last year, aged 46. So far it has raised more than £100k for The Christie cancer hospital and East Cheshire Hospice.

The event was organised by Heather, Adam's widow, and Claire and Simon Hayward – fellow parents who befriended Adam when their children were students at Rainow Primary School.

Sale Sharks players Ciaran Park and Cameron Neild took the Santas through their paces in a warm-up routine before starting the race.

After the run Simon said: “Adam was also wonderfully cared for in the last few weeks at the East Cheshire Hospice. Adam was such a positive and loving father and husband, as well as being a great friend, and we all want to do something positive in his memory.”

“The Santa Dash was the third such event organised with the King’s School to raise money and have some festive fun at the same time.

"It is supported by people from across the area and is a great excuse to dress up as Father Christmas. I am delighted to say it raised another £2,500 bringing our total to £105,000 for both The Christie Hospital and East Cheshire Hospice.”

To find out more go to www.505050 challenge.com.