SPRINTING Santas are set to dash across the Oxford's streets to bundle together vital cash needed by the county's sick youngsters.

Thousands of fundraisers are expected to throw on their Father Christmas suits before flooding the city for the annual Santas on the Run festivities.

Families from across Oxfordshire will don their whitest winter beard before pounding the streets in support of hospice Helen & Douglas House.

Julie Forth, whose daughter Ruby was supported by the hospice before she died three years ago, will launch the race before darting across the city with fundraisers.

The Faringdon resident, who will be joined by husband Shaun, said: "We are doing the run to raise awareness and money for Helen & Douglas House, as we know the charity relies on voluntary donations.

"When Ruby was with us, life for our family was often exhausting. Helen & Douglas House provided us with time and space.

"We were all nurtured and this allowed us precious time with our son, whilst relieving us of our full-time caring responsibilities for our daughter. Taking part in the race is our way of saying thank you."

The 3.5km fun run will wind through Broad Street into University Parks after a toe-tapping warm up in aid of the East Oxford hospice on December 11.

Fundraisers can walk, jog or run as they make their way back through the enchanting green space on the winter's morning, towards celebratory mince pies and festive cheer handed out by a 50-strong team of Santa's elves.

Events manager Hannah Barrett said the hospice needs £5.4m each year to care for terminally ill children and young adults, as well as help their families make the most of their time together.

The Temple Cowley resident added: "I think it's a fantastic event which is open to everyone. It's very inclusive, which is just like Christmas - everyone coming together to have a good time and celebrate.

"It's a great way for us to work with others and show people how important it is to have this facility here within their community.

"We don't only just look after the children, but the whole family. The money that comes in does really make a difference to the lives of the children and families that we support."

A troupe of 2,200 Santas gathered about £90,000, which helped to provide medical, emotional and practical support to families caring for a child expected to die prematurely.

Miss Barrett said £30 raised would pay for one-hour nursing care, £55 would pay for an outreach care team to make a one-hour visit to a child's home, and £100 could pay for a nurse to support a young adult for half a day.

The Magdalen Road hospice currently cares for more than 300 patients and supports more than 60 bereaved families from across Oxfordshire and its surrounding counties.

Tickets are £18 for adults and £12 for under-12s, which includes a free Santa suit, and free for under-5s.

See helenanddouglas.org.uk