Festive Ballymena Santa Run raises nearly £1,000 for Cancer Fund for Children

Ballymena Santa Run participants

Ballymena hosted the annual Santa Run just before Christmas, returning with festive cheer and delivering a memorable evening of community spirit while raising vital funds for Cancer Fund for Children.

With festive costumes lighting up the streets and the sound of seasonal music filling the air, the event proved to be far more than just a run. It was a powerful show of generosity, bringing together runners, volunteers, families and local businesses in support of children and families affected by cancer.

“You better watch out, you better not cry, you better not pout, I’m telling you why… the Santa Run came to town and lit up Ballymena brighter than a sleigh-full of fairy lights,” organisers said as they reflected on the success of the evening.

At the heart of the event were Ballymena Runners, who once again played a central role in delivering the festive fundraiser. Their efforts turned the town centre red with Santa suits and ensured the event ran smoothly from start to finish.

Pivotal to the success of the night was chairperson Raymond Ruck, whose leadership and guidance were instrumental in shaping the event. Organisers also paid tribute to the Ballymena Runners volunteers who marshalled the route and ensured participant safety throughout the evening.

Special recognition was given to the Cancer Fund for Children volunteer team – Beige, Olwen, Matthew and Jonathan – whose energy and organisation helped keep everything running “like clockwork”.

The event was further enhanced by the presence of Mid and East Antrim’s First Citizens, with Mayor Jackson Minford embracing the festive spirit by offering warm wishes, singing carols and even running part of the route. He was joined by Lady Mayoress Alison Minford and their daughter Emma, underlining the family-friendly nature of the occasion.

A surprise appearance from Santa Claus himself at the Tower Centre delighted participants and spectators alike, while last-minute support from Darren Cumberland, who provided sound and music, helped maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the night.

The success of the fundraising effort was also made possible through the generosity of local businesses who donated prizes for a raffle, including:

• Ballymena Runners

• Tesco Ballymena

• Middletown Coffee

• STLTH Gym

• Spar Bridge Cullybackey

• Clydes Building Supplies & Kitchen Centre

• Belfast Giants

Organisers emphasised that the event’s core purpose was to support the vital services provided by Cancer Fund for Children, which relies entirely on public generosity to ensure that no child faces cancer alone.

“It was a privilege to help co-ordinate this event as both a Community Champion for Cancer Fund for Children and a proud member of Ballymena Runners. Bringing these two worlds together was something truly special,” organisers said.

Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, the Santa Run raised a total of £985.50, a sum that will make a meaningful difference to children and families who need support during the most challenging of times.