The Rotary Club of Ashby Castle has announced that December's Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk raised over £11,000 for local charities.

Over 900 people took part in the 2022 event at the Bath Grounds as part of the Ashby Christmas weekend celebrations.

A total of £11,074 was raised which the Rotary Club describes as 'a fantastic achievement'.

It also brings the total raised by this event over eight years to around £80,000.

Proceeds from the Santa Fun Run & Walk were handed out at the Rotary Club's breakfast meeting last month.

The event has always focused on supporting local charities to benefit Ashby and the surrounding communities.

The Rotary Club chose to support Hospice Hope, Ashby Foodbank and Wishes 4 Kids, all smaller charities that are local to the area and who all provide crucial support for people.

Representatives of the three charities joined The Rotary Club's breakfast on January 14, and cheques were presented to Gary Lowe (Wishes 4 Kids), Catherine Booton (Ashby Foodbank) and Jim Vickrage (Hospice Hope).

Following another bumper year of fundraising, thanks to support from local businesses and the amazing 925 Santas that took part, the Rotary Club presented each charity with a cheque for £2,900.

The remaining monies will be distributed to other charities supported by Ashby Castle Rotary Club throughout the year.

Gary Lowe (Wishes 4 Kids), Catherine Booton (Ashby Foodbank) and Jim Vickrage (Hospice Hope).

All three representatives passed on their huge gratitude to the Rotary Club for the sums donated to them and stressed how important this money will be to help in their causes.

Wishes 4 Kids has granted over 7,000 wishes to children who are life limited, have terminal illnesses or have suffered life-changing physical or emotional traumas.

Every penny raised goes on granting wishes and the money donated here would pay for two wishes for local children.

Ashby Foodbank has been under greater pressure than ever in recent times with the cost of living crisis and this donation will help to fund the ongoing work of this charity which has seen a 50 per cent increase in demand over the last year.

Hospice Hope is continuing to expand its services to those in need, including introducing counselling sessions, and this money will allow continued expansion to improve peoples lives - with this charity relying entirely on donations.

Kevin Sanders, Event Director of the Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk commented: "We've had another wonderful year with this event, and I want to put on record our thanks to all those who have taken part and supported us again.

"In particular those local businesses who, in a challenging economic climate, have gone above and beyond in sponsoring this event and helping us to continue to raise such huge funds for charity.

"We look forward to seeing you all again at the 2023 Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk."

If you are interested in finding out more about Rotary or would like to come along to the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle, you can contact secretary Chris Knight at [email protected] or click HERE.