Mum in Santa Dash in memory of daughter

A mother is to run her third Santa Dash in Liverpool in memory of her daughter who died in 2021.

Rachel Marnell, from Walton, is running the 5km (3.1 mile) Santa Dash on 1 December in memory of her daughter, Phoebe, who died in 2021 and to raise money for this year’s charity partner Claire House Children’s Hospice.

"Thanks to the Butterfly Team at Claire House we were able to spend the most precious time with Phe that we will cherish forever," she said.

Ms Marnell said her family would have been "lost without the continued support of Claire House" and she described them as "angels without wings".

The event will see 8,000 people dressed up in Santa outfits running to raise money to support the hospice.

So far the event has helped to raise £17,500 for the charity.

Event fundraiser Debby Lofthouse said: "We are the local children’s hospice for Liverpool and beyond, caring for babies, children and young adults in the surrounding communities.

"We provide end-of-life care, emergency care, respite and (we) support the entire family.

“By fundraising for Claire House in the Liverpool Santa Dash, our care team will be able to be there for more local parents like Rachel.”

Born to Run Liverpool has said online registration has now closed but participants have until Saturday to sign up in person at St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool.

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