THOUSANDS of school kids are being encouraged to get fit and ‘elfie’ this winter.

St Luke’s Hospice, in Winsford, is calling on schools to sign up for its annual Elf Run festive fundraiser.

The Elf Run invites school children to dress up as elves and run, walk, or jog a designated route at school in return for sponsorship from family and friends.

Last year, more than 70 schools and nurseries and over 12,000 children took part in the festive fun, which raised a total of £70,000 to go towards patient care at the hospice.

The event is being supported by Crewe-based breakfast food company, Mornflake, which celebrates its astonishing 350-year birthday this year.

Mornflake also provide free porridge to every child taking part in an Elf Run, helping to promote healthy eating alongside exercise and charitable giving.

Angela Slack, St Luke’s community partnerships manager, said: “We were so grateful for the support of all the schools and nurseries who got involved with the Elf Run last year, helping to make the event so successful.

L-R: Chloe Walton, health care assistant; Sue Lyons, staff nurse; Sarah Boulton, in-patient sister; and Lydia Turner, staff nurseL-R: Chloe Walton, health care assistant; Sue Lyons, staff nurse; Sarah Boulton, in-patient sister; and Lydia Turner, staff nurse (Image: St Luke's Hospice)

“With Mornflake’s continued backing, we're hoping to make this year our best yet!

“Its support of our Elf Run means so much to the Hospice.

“This generosity helps us run this kind of event year after year, which proves vital in letting our nurses continue to provide their special care to the patients and families who need us.”

St Luke’s relies on fundraising and donations to fund more than 80 per cent of its care.

The Elf Run is vital to this, having raised more than £264,000 for patient care to date.

Iain Lavelle, head of marketing at Mornflake, said: “Promoting a healthy diet and lifestyle is an important part of our business.

“Not only is it great to be involved in the Elf Run again, but it’s also fantastic to see this initiative go from strength to strength with so many, schools, children, and families raising funds for the vital services provided by St Luke’s.”

To host an Elf Run please contact the St Luke’s Community Team on 01606 555697 or community@slhospice.co.uk for an information pack.