RED noses and pointy ears were in abundance when Phyllis Tuckwell held their annual Reindeer and Elf Runs, in November and December.

Around 6,500 pupils, from 35 schools across Surrey and Hampshire, took part in the runs, which raised money to help fund the supportive and end-of-life care which the hospice care charity provides for patients and families in West Surrey and North East Hampshire.

Wearing either reindeer antlers and a flashing red nose, or elf hats and pointy ears, the children walked, jogged and ran their way through the runs, which were held on school playgrounds, sports fields and indoors in school halls.

Together they raised more than £50,000, a huge amount of money which could fund Phyllis Tuckwell’s day services for five weeks, providing patients with a weekly outing to the hospice or Beacon Centre, in Guildford.

Hopsice fundraising manager Gemma Craig said: “We would like to thank all those involved in the Reindeer and Elf Runs – the teachers who organised the runs, the families and friends who sponsored the children, and of course the kids themselves who took part so enthusiastically.”

And if you are looking for a new challenge this year, the hospice is getting ready for its annual Get Fit for Phyllis campaign, to raise money to fund more of the hospice’s vital work.

Phyllis has myriad challenges to get adrenaline pumping from running a half-marathon and competing in the Isle of Wight challenge, to pedalling through the country’s capital in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey 100.

If you have a head for heights why not try a sponsored skydive? Or those who think they are indestructible can meet their match with the Tough Mudder Challenge.

Whichever challenge is chosen, the fundraising team will be there in support, helping to motivate each and every participant make it to the end and ultimately reach their goal.

The money raised will help provide medical and nursing care, therapies, counselling, social work advice and practical support for patients, relatives and carers. Call the fundraising team on (01252) 729446 or go to www.pth.org.uk/getfit-for-phyllis for full details.