A CHILDREN’S hospice has issued a plea for help after heavy snow foiled vital fundraising.

Helen & Douglas House is rallying support after being forced to call off its iconic Santas on the Run event, for the first time in the annual spectacle’s 11-year history.

The East Oxford charity had to cancel the 3.5km fun run at the last minute on Sunday morning, dealing a ‘real blow’ to finances and disappointing 1,809 participants.

It told runners it was ‘devastated’ that weather thwarted the event, after a blanket of thick snow carpeted the city and threatened people’s health and safety.

Organiser Hannah Barrett, events manager at the Magdalen Road hospice, said: “We are very sad about having to cancel this great event, which we know everyone was really looking forward to.

“It is a real blow given it is our biggest fundraiser of the year - it raises vital funds.

“Even though the event was cancelled, we have still incurred significant costs.

“Inevitably we will raise less money than we normally would do.”

The event promises festive cheer every December, and sees hundreds of supporters sprint through Oxford city centre dressed as Santa.

Last year it raised a chunky sum of £73,000 for the charity, and this year’s cancellation could lead to tens of thousands being lost.

It comes during a difficult period for the much-loved hospice, which has struggled with finances in recent years as the charity sector becomes increasingly competitive.

Several participants still put their fur-trimmed crimson suits to use on Sunday, opting to walk or run the distance of their own accord.

Some even built snowmen, dressed in their Helen & Douglas House t-shirts.

The vast majority have still pledged to donate their entry fee and sponsorship, but Helen & Douglas House is appealing for people to help bridge the funding gap.

Festive fundraising ideas on its website include organising a bauble and spoon race, or ordering a fundraising collection cracker, which can fit 34 £1 coins inside.

Lynn Lewis, who lives in Farmoor near Oxford, was due to give a speech at Santas on the Run about how the hospice was a ‘safe haven’ for her late son James Lewis.

Mr Lewis, who had muscular dystrophy, received respite care at Douglas House for 15 years before passing away in 2014, aged 27.

She said: “It is a place full of love, happiness and care beyond measure. They have laughed and cried with us and supported us through everything.

“It was our safe haven. We knew whenever we left him there he was safe, well cared for and loved.

“When we lost James he was at his favourite place, Douglas House, where he was cared for to the end surrounded with love.

“These wonderful people are still supporting us now.”

Though she was unable to share her words with crowds at the event, she hoped they would still inspire supporters to rally round.

She added: “I appeal to participants to donate money and fundraise for them because the hospice really needs the money to help support families like ours.”

Helen & Douglas House, which looks after children and young adults with complex and life-limiting conditions, requires £5m per year to offer its services.

To donate or for details visit helenanddouglas.org.uk.