A brave six-year-old boy undergoing rigorous treatment for an aggressive brain tumour was the guest of honour at a major Santa Dash this weekend.
Cole Park from Kirkintilloch completed this year's Santa Dash in Glasgow with a team of around 30 supporters behind him, including proud mum Michelle, reports Glasgow Live. He completed most of the run in his wheelchair – but took the final few steps over the finish line himself.
After completing the route and picking up his finisher's medal, he declared the event "fun". Cole's mum Michelle – who shaved her head in solidarity with her courageous son – previously said the family wanted to take part to thank the Beatson Cancer Charity, which benefits from the event.
She said in November: "[Cole's aunt] Lisa and I want to run the Santa Dash to raise sponsorship for Beatson Cancer Charity in recognition of everything the hospital has done for Cole. I can't praise the surgeons and staff at the Beatson highly enough.
"Everyone is amazing. They kept me going when I was struggling on a bad day and became like family."
The dash returned to Glasgow for the first time in three years following the coronavirus pandemic on Sunday November 11. Nearly 4,000 Santas braved freezing temperatures and icy conditions to raise money for the charity, following a 5K route that started and finished on Glasgow Green.
Veteran councillor Bailie Paul McCabe set the race going and the thousands of jolly Saint Nicks ran around the park, through the Gorbals and along the banks of the Clyde in the winter sun. This year, runners wore a t-shirt with a belt-and-button style design that is more environmentally friendly than the old-style single-use Santa suits.
Bailie McCabe said: "It's wonderful to see the Santa Dash return in such style and with huge support. Everyone loves the Santa Dash – it is held in great affection by runners and spectators alike and there was huge disappointment when it couldn't go ahead in person during the pandemic.
"Today's event was really uplifting. It put a huge smile on everyone's face.
"We had a fantastic turnout and the wintry weather made it feel even more festive. Well done to everyone who took part."
The event was compered by TV presenter Bryan Burnett and rides were provided for youngsters by Irvin Stringfellow of the Showman's Guild. Registration fee profits from the Santa Dash, organised in partnership with Glasgow City Council, will be split between Beatson and the Lord Provost's Fund for Vulnerable Children.
Martin Cawley, CEO of Beatson, added: "The Santa dash is such a wonderful event and takes place at a very special time of the year for us all. We are delighted to work alongside our colleagues in Glasgow City Council to bring the event back after a couple of years relying on virtual support.
"It is great to see so many families get involved. It shows the level of generosity from the people of Glasgow. The proceeds from this year's Santa Dash will help Beatson Cancer Charity continue to deliver invaluable supports to people with cancer in Glasgow and across the west.
"Quite simply, we couldn't do the work we do without the support of so many others."
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