St Barnabas Hospice has brought back their popular Rudy’s Run campaign, which last year saw an incredible 69 schools, nurseries and childcare settings sign up free of charge and raise more than £38,000 in sponsorship money.
Settings who sign up will receive a very special visit from Rudy the reindeer as he delivers antlers and red noses around the county. They will also receive a resource pack, including colouring templates, design a tree decoration, reindeer food recipe and a Santa suit for one lucky teacher to wear on the day! Other resources available include a special school assembly video and a letter from the North Pole to share with parents.
This year, Lincoln City Football Club have kindly agreed to donate a signed football shirt which a player will present to a randomly selected setting taking part in Rudy’s Run in the New Year.
Last year, Baillie Boxall (age 7 from Skegness) took part in Rudy’s Run when his school, St Helena’s C of E Primary School, signed up to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice. Baillie did this in memory of his papa and raised an amazing £200.
Alana, Baillie’s mum said, “My dad – Baillie’s ‘Papa’ – was funny and fearless. He was a real family man who adored his grandchildren, always stayed positive and worked hard throughout his life.
“In November 2017, Dad had a stroke which affected him badly. Then in January 2020 he had a fall and we realised he would need end-of-life care. He was initially in hospital, but when the pandemic started St Barnabas supported us to bring him home and care for him.
“The Hospice supported with pain management, amazing support over the phone and a regular team of nurses who came into the house to help us. With the uncertainty during the pandemic, this support really was a lifeline for the family, and it enabled Mum to stay with Dad until the end.
“When Dad passed away, the nurses were incredible. Even though he had gone, they treated him with so much respect and dignity, even speaking to him as they did the final procedures. The care was excellent, and the kindness shown when it was most needed was unforgettable. They allowed us to be a family until the end.”
Rudy’s Run took place in the weeks following Baillie’s papa’s death, and it really struck a chord with Alana’s family. It helped Baillie come to terms with what had happened and gave him something positive to focus on in memory of his papa.
Baillie said, “My best memories of Papa were going on adventures and crawling through bushes on the golf course. When someone is poorly, we have to help them. That’s why I liked raising money for St Barnabas.”
Rudy’s Run isn’t a race, but a chance for children to run, walk or prance to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice.
Registrations close on Monday 29th November, with packs being delivered in December. To sign up, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun.