FIFTY Father Christmases flooded Oxford’s University Parks yesterday to promote a truly ‘Santastic’ cause.

Anyone visiting the parks would have been rubbing their eyes – and checking their calendars – at the sight of the festive figures jogging in the autumn sunshine.

The Santas were out to drum up support for this year’s Helen and Douglas House ‘Santas on the Run’ fun runs.

The fundraising stunt for the East Oxford children’s and young adults’ hospice, now in its fourth year, is proving more popular than ever.

Last year, more than 1,300 runners took part, raising more than £50,000 for the charity, which provides respite and end- of-life care for children and young adults from birth to the age of 35.

This year’s runs take place at Cornbury Park, near Charlbury, on December 5, and in Oxford on December 12.

Fiona Evans, activity and events manager for Helen & Douglas House, said: “We really rely on voluntary donations, so it’s important to hold these events to bring in the money and do some wacky things for charity.

“Last year we did a warm-up underneath the Bridge of Sighs, and to see 1,000 Santas doing stretches and lifting their legs is just so funny.

“Yesterday we were hoping to cause a stir by having people in Santa suits out in the sun in October – two months before Christmas.”

She added: “It’s a real family event. The youngest entrant we’ve had was aged two, but we’ve also had people in their 80s running.”

Hannah Dodd-Vastiau, 10, from Marsh Baldon, near Oxford, has taken part in the run with her whole family every year since it started in 2007. Her mum Katia Vastiau said: “It’s so fantastic to walk through the streets or go on the park-and -ride and see Santas everywhere.

“We’ve even got people coming from Morocco this year. It’s just a such a worthwhile cause.”

Pete Griffith, from Waddesdon near Aylesbury, is running as a thank-you for the care his two children received at Helen House.

He was introduced to the hospice when Meisha and Natalie were diagnosed with Battens Disease in January 2000.

He said: “We thought Helen House was just for end-of-life care, but they encouraged us to get in touch and to get to know the staff, who were so friendly and supportive.

“We felt accepted and loved, and were able to feel normal for a little while.

“Meisha died in November 2002, and Natalie in December 2003, and we were able to stay for the week after their deaths. Helen House has given us a lot of support, and we’ve made many great friends.”

Entry – including Santa suits – costs £12 for an adult, £8 for a child, and £25 for a family ticket. Registration opens this week. Call 01865 799150.