The Princess Alice Hospice Santa Fun Run is back again this year ready to raise money for charity and spread some festive joy this Christmas. For the past 30 years, the charity has provided life care to tens of thousands of people across the county. Each year, the charity works endlessly to meet its £9.9m target that they need to provide their much-needed services.
And this year, 88-year-old Gerald from Whitton has joined the fight. After 23 years of retirement, Gerald has decided to take part in this year's The Princess Alice Hospice Santa Fun Run in order to help them hit their target, and also, for a more personal reason.
Former machine shop foreman Gerald has been walking in Richmond and Bushy Park for over a year with the Princess Alice Hospice Walk and Talk group following the death of his wife Margaret.
They both worked at the Wilson and Kyle factory in Brentford; Margaret starting at 14 and Gerald at 17.
In 1958 they were married, and on the same day moved into their home in Whitton, where they raised their family, where Gerald still lives now.
On why he wanted to take part in the fun run, he said that he was 'inspired by a friend while on the regular Princess Alice Hospice Walk and Talk strolls in Bushy Park.'
“I got to know Barry, who has been on the walks for a couple of years – and who did the fun run last year,” said Gerald. “I thought ‘why not?’ so I’ve put my name down.”
Gerald was also taken aback by the level of outstanding care from the charity in regards to the treatment of his wife towards the end of her life. “It was six-star service – if there is such a thing!” he said.
And although not the best runner, Gerald hopes to take the fun run at a leisurely pace, or if it at most, a fast walk.
If you would like to join Gerald and our other Santas in any of the upcoming fun runs in Richmond Park and Bushy Park, sign up at pah.org.uk/santafunrun or call 01372 461808
