Beverley Santa run a success >video

BRAVING bitterly cold weather and taking time out from Christmas shopping, an army of Santas pounded the streets of Beverley for a colourful festive fundraiser.

The roads were awash with red and white as scores of runners dressed as Father Christmas raced around the town for the third annual Cystic Fibrosis Santa Run.

This year the event was almost cancelled when only five people signed up for the fundraiser.

However, a heartfelt appeal from 21-year-old Adam Jackson – a cystic fibrosis patient who agreed to take part despite being in recovery from a double lung and liver transplant – encouraged a further 40 participants to come forward.

Adam shrugged off the fact that just a few days previous he was in hospital for a lung biopsy to walk the route with his father Chris and the mayor of Beverley, Councillor David Elvidge.

Adam said: "I'm really pleased that so many people came to the event, there were loads.

"I didn't think this many would take part so I'm really pleased.

"I had a biopsy on Wednesday and I've recently had quite a big transplant so it was a big thing for me to take part."

His father Chris, 51, who is based at the Defence School of Transport in Leconfield, near Beverley, said: "The turnout has been excellent, especially when you consider how bad the weather was.

"There was a lot of rain but it has been really good."

Runners took their positions at the start line in Saturday Market before setting off on a 3km route around the town, creating a festive feast for the eyes of shoppers yesterday.

People of all ages donned red and white suits and fluffy beards, from babies in pushchairs to their parents and grandparents.

The first to cross the line was Chelsea Walker, 12, of Shiptonthorpe, near Market Weighton.

Tina Davis-Johnstone, regional fundraising manager for organisers the Cystic Fibrosis Trust charity, said: "Adam Jackson agreed to take part and this is the furthest he has walked since his operation nine weeks ago, which is marvellous.

"The support from the local community and the Mail has been fantastic.

"We've had about 40 people here and they've all had a fantastic time."