Christmas came early in Manchester when actress Sarah Jayne Dunn helped Middleton Brass Band tune-up for The Co-operative Santa Dash.
Well known for playing Mandy Richardson in TV soap Hollyoaks, the British Soap Award winner appeared at The Co-operative’s Manchester head office to show her support for its third annual charity Santa Dash which takes place on Sunday, 27 November, in Heaton Park, Manchester.
Organisers are hoping that a sleigh-load of Santas will once again take part in the 5km family-friendly fun run which is raising vital funds for The Co-operative’s charity of the year, Mencap.
And, Middleton Brass Band, which is more than 125 years-old and boasts members aged between 7 and 70, will be taking part in this year’s event. The band, which rehearses twice a week at St Anne’s Academy, Middleton, will be playing festive favourites including Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Oh Come All Ye Faithful.
Sarah Jayne Dunn, who will be there to cheer on the runners at The Co-operative Santa Dash in November, said: “The event promises to be great fun and will raise money for an extremely worthwhile cause – The Co-operative Santa Dash is a super opportunity for people to get fit before the festive season begins!”
While Fred Houghton, secretary of Middleton Brass Band added: “We are delighted to be able to take part in this year’s event – it forms part of our hectic Christmas programme and we aim to warm the crowds by playing festive favourites.”
The Co-operative Santa Dash once again promises to be a colourful occasion with the organisers hoping more than 1,000 Santas will take part. There will be a Santa’s grotto, two real reindeers and in addition, registering for the fun run can put you in with the chance of winning a two night trip to Lapland.*
As part of its commitment to inspiring young people, The Co-operative Group’s staff, members and customers have so far raised more than £4 million for its Charity of the Year, Mencap.
The money raised will transform the lives and dreams of up to 20,000 young people with a learning disability across the UK – providing the skills and confidence for young people to play a more active part in their communities.
For more information and to register for the festive fun run visit http://www.co-operative.coop/santadash
Article on mencap website http://www.mencap.org.uk/news/article/hollyoaks-actress-launches-santa-dash
Co-operative press release http://www.co-operative.coop/corporate/Press/Press-releases/n/Sarah-Jayne-Dunn-joins-forces-with-Middleton-Brass-Band-to-tune-into-The-Co-operative-Santa-Dash/
For media enquiries contact:
Andrew Torr
The Co-operative Group Press Office
Tel: 0161 827 5622
Mob: 07702 505551
Email: andrew.torr@co-operative.coop