Another epic Santa Dash - the success and the legacy continues

The community champions behind the ultra successful Saddleworth Santa Dash have revealed the weekend spectacle raised even more money than first thought. Damp, blustery weather was no match for the Christmas Spirit of Saddleworthians this weekend, as 2,500 Santas turned out for the annual Santa Dash and Christmas Lights switch-on. Saddleworth Round Table were delighted to announce a record-breaking profit of nearly GBP35,000. And Ryan Smith, Head of Community Engagement for SRT, was keen to emphasise every penny will be donated back to the community, helping community groups and the less fortunate throughout 2025. He said: “Last year’s Dash, a previous record breaker, raised GBP20,000 – all which has been handed off to local groups. “This year, among other things, we’ve given four-figure sums to disabled theatre groups, brass bands, kid’s sports teams, and care organisations. “We want the wider community to know that if you are in need and require a grant, collaboration, or match funding, we’re desperate to hear from you… every single penny we make from all our events is donated back.” This year also saw the return of community support spaces on the Santa Dash. These lucrative tickets offer local community groups an excellent chance to benefit directly from their involvement in the run; as 50percent of each ticket they bought was paid back to the charity in form of a grant. These teams came from all-over Saddleworth, with families turning out to raise money for sports teams, PTAs, and Brownies. The lucky teams were: Saddleworth Rangers Youth Team, Millgate Arts Centre, St Mary’s School, Oldham Netball team, 3Ds Youth Team, Greenfield Primary School, Diggle Brownies, Uppermill FC Juniors, Greenfield Giants and Holy Trinity Dobcross School. Between these teams a staggering GBP10,000 was raised. Elsewhere on the run, individuals battled the harsh wintery conditions to win the coveted prizes for fastest time. First to cross the line for the boys was Alfie Bundy, with first girl Nell Wilson closely following. As for the adults – first place male, Darren Smith, and female, Jessica Banks, took home a bottle of Round Table Gin as their prize. These were presented by Vinesh Mistry of headline sponsor North Ainley Solicitors. Andy Rothwell, Santa Dash Lead at SRT, took a special moment to thank all the sponsors who make the day possible, saying: “Were it not for the extremely generous donations brought forward from our raft of sponsors it’d be nearly impossible to put on such an event. “I’d like to personally thank our main sponsors Wates and North Ainley Solicitors as well as Sefton’s Accountants, Leesfield Construction, Trafficare, Grandpa Greene’s, CM Asset Management, the Albion Tap and The Hare and Hounds. “I’d also like to thank Dobcross Youth Band, Infinity Dance, Saddleworth Singers, all stall holders, B Conway Group, Point, Saddleworth Morris Men, and Friezland Brass Band for their contributions that made the day so special. “A special mention goes to Elliot Eastwick, who’s been with us as host and compare for the last nine years - we couldn’t do it without you.” The race is only one part of the day’s events, however. The day is also host to the annual Winter Wonderland Procession – and Christmas lights switch-on. This year Santa was flanked by the Grinch and Disney’s Elsa and Anna – keenly aided by nine-year-old Grace, whose Christmas Card won her the annual competition prize of being able to light up the main tree in the square. Despite the chilly wet evening, hundreds turned out to watch Santa and his friends travel through the village. Led by Friezland Band and pulled on the Rush Cart by Saddleworth Morris Men – who were stopping to dish out sweets to the children and sing carols with Saddleworth Singers. On returning to the park the day concluded with a massive thank you from Round Table for everyone who attended and a fantastic firework finale launched by Olivia, aged four - and Eddie and Victoria from sponsors Leesfield Developments. In the summing up of the event, Ed Burbidge, Round Table Chairman, thanked everyone for their support and involvement. “I’d like to thank everyone for their contributions today,” he said. “Not every community is lucky enough to have people willing to turn out on a miserable cold Saturday and make the start of Christmas so special. “I appreciate the event does cause disruption, but events like this are what makes Saddleworth such an amazing place to be. “So, whether you’ve bought a ticket, a mulled wine, or just come along to watch, we’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas, and look forward to more events in the New Year.” If you would like to support Round Table, their next event is a comedy night on January 31. Tickets are GBP12.50, and are available through Eventbrite, or directly book with the White Hart to avoid the booking fee. Saddleworth Round Table Donations 2024 - Intraquest: Intraquest is a Community Interest Company specialising in the needs of neurodivergent or vulnerable young adults. They came requesting help to buy some Pygmy Goats - to help with therapy. GBP1,500 was granted, to buy the goats and aid in their ongoing daily care. Saddleworth Carer’s Group: The hard work of carers in our local community often flies below the radar. But it’s also important to make sure carers get adiquate respite from the marvellous work they do. That’s why SRT have allocated GBP2,000 toward their support over the next 12 months. Friezland Brass Band: Friezland Brass Band - who have been long-term supporter’s of the Uppermill Christmas Lights switch-on - asked for GBP750 towards their new outdoor jackets. In My Shoes Theatre Group: In My Shoes is a theatre group for disabled adults in Oldham, based in Springhead. Having been formed in 2020, and being run by the amazingly enthusiastic Emily and Liz, they were in vital need of funding to support their ongoing work. Due directly to the support of Santa Dash, RT were able to allocate over GBP2,000 of funding to this excellent cause. Uppermill AFC: Uppermill AFC visited requesting funds to support their new kit, as they progress through the tiers of English Football. RT were pleased to announce we were able to support them as Shorts Sponsor. To watch Uppermill play, check out their socials. Saddleworth Morris Men: Santa Dash wouldn’t be Santa Dash without a sleigh being dragged by a team of Reindeer Morris Men. A stalwart of local tradition, the Morris Men were after GBP1,000 towards the ongoing costs of maintaining the Rush Cart - to which RT gladly supported. Springhead Under 11s team: Springhead Under 11s team were vitally in need of some kit to keep their team in tip-top shape for a cup-final, as well as to support the next generation of local footballers. GBP700 was donated by SRT. Uppermill Christmas Lights: Saddleworth Round Table have been busy for weeks in the build-up to Saturday, with volunteers heading out in the biting cold to erect Christmas lights throughout the village. Dean Ward – who took the lead of the lights this year - said: “Since the Uppermill Lights group disbanded over five years ago, Uppermill has been struggling co-ordinate lights. “This year we’ve seen SRT volunteers erecting up to GBP3,000 worth of new lights; with the aim to expand and improve the lights for next year.” In addition to these funds, several other donations have been made to smaller causes, and ongoing support payments to long-term causes within the area. Do you have a story for us. Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham. 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