THE Poole community turned out in support of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity for their sixth 'Elf Dash' event on Branksome Dene Beach.

Members of the local community were invited to Branksome Dene Beach to walk, run, skip or dance their way along a 2km promenade route whilst raising funds to support the Royal Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch hospitals on Saturday December 4.

Fundraising Manager Sara Fripp said: "This is the sixth year of doing the Elf Dash, sadly last year it couldn't happen because of the pandemic so we're really excited to bring it back. It's an event that we've run for the past five years prior to this for Poole hospital but obviously in the last year we've merged to become University Hospitals Dorset, so this is our first big Christmas event as Poole, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals.

"We've got over 320 people taking part which is amazing, a fantastic turn out, we've had fantastic support for the community, not just from people wanting to take part and raise money for our hospitals but the support of Rapid Relief who have provided the food, Haskins Garden Centre who have helped out with the grotto, our volunteers and its just been an amazing day.

"We're really hoping to exceed our target, the turnout has been fantastic. Obviously everybody's paid an entry fee which is really to help to cover our overheads and we're helping that everyone will get involved, get some sponsorship and it will really make a difference.

"We're hoping to raise at least 6,000 today which will contribute towards some of the items on our Christmas wishlist. We've got some really important medical equipment on there, as well as ensuring that we can make Christmas for our patients that are with us as nice as it can possibly be, so buying gifts for patients, putting Christmas trees in our hospitals and decorations on the walls."

Along with taking part in the dash along Branksome beach, children who attended the event enjoyed the ultimate Christmas experience, with a Santa’s Grotto and donated gifts from Haskins Garden Centre.

Long term supporter of the charity, Rapid Relief also supplied a free hot lunch for all taking part in the event.

Trade kitchen supplier, Howdens, were the official event sponsor and assisted the local hospital charity in making the event a reality.