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Charity invites local supporters to mark mile-stones at annual Santa Run

WildHearts Aberdeen Santa Run, Sunday November 27

The WildHearts charity is inviting Aberdeenshire supporters to celebrate a special year of mile-stones and successes by joining them at their annual Santa Run at Pittodrie Stadium, Sunday 27th November. 2011 not only mark’s the 10 year anniversary of the conception of WildHearts – inspired by a near-death experience on one of the world’s most dangerous mountains – but has seen the charity expand operations to four continents, aided by the generosity of Santa Run participants and other local supporters.

Following the success of previous events, the fourth annual Santa Run will once again by hosted by Aberdeen Football Club at Pittodrie, with friends, families and office teams from across the North-east taking part in the fun run with a festive twist. Participants are invited to walk, jog or run around the 6km route along Aberdeen’s beach front, finishing with a lap of honour around Pittodrie’s pitch, wearing full Santa Suits provided by WildHearts to ensure they look the part. Children will be able to take part too – as ‘Wee Santas’ decked out in special Santa t-shirts and hats – and enjoy kicking off the festive period with their families.

WildHearts provide microloans and business training to help people in the developing world work their own way out of poverty, giving them a hand up and not a hand out. Previous Santa Runs have played a vital role in WildHearts growth, culminating in the charity opening projects in 14 new countries this year across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Most recently WildHearts has launched into Pakistan, where founder Mick Jackson survived a traumatic ordeal whilst attempting to climb Broad Peak and K2 in 2001. Returning home to Scotland he pledged to dedicate himself to helping the world’s poorest people. WildHearts is the fulfilment of that promise and Mick is excited about celebrating its successes at the Santa Run. He said:

“The Aberdeen Santa Run has been instrumental in helping WildHearts transform lives across the globe. Our Aberdeenshire Santas have helped us grow from operating solely in Ghana to fighting poverty in fifteen different countries on four continents. This year has been very special for WildHearts and we would like nothing more than to see in the festive period in Aberdeen with our supporters. Money raised at this year’s event will be re-lent to people living in poverty for years to come, building on the legacy of the Santa Run and giving poverty-stricken people across the world a truly meaningful Christmas present.”

The Aberdeen event is part of a series of festive activities organised by WildHearts, with the Highland leg of the Santa Run taking place in Inverness on Sunday, December 4.

The entry fee for the event – which includes a Santa suit to make sure all participants look the part, a medal and a goody bag – is £15 for adults and £10 for under 13s, who receive a special Santa t-shirt and hat.

For more information on the Santa Run or to sign up visit www.wildheartsinaction.org or call 01309 678100.

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