A Merseyside football team will be donning Father Christmas outfits in order to "give something back" to the community.
As the cost-of-living crisis tightens budgets for those up and down the country, those on low incomes will feel the squeeze even more than most. In a bid to support their area, Rainford Rangers under nines football team, based in St Helens, have decided to take part in the Santa Dash in Liverpool.
Six members of the squad, all aged seven, will take on the five kilometre challenge - with half of the money raised going towards the Hope Centre in St Helens, which provides support for struggling families, and half going towards developing the team and funding equipment for the young footballers.
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Nicola Jones, organiser of the fundraiser and mum of Joe Dunne who is taking part, told the ECHO: "The lads just want to give something back to the community and I think at times like this where everyone is struggling it's so important."
On December 4, Joe, along with teammates Charlie Carroll, Harry Crook, Jacob Rimmer, Theo Bradshaw, and Oliver Gaskell, will don Santa outfits and attempt the tricky 5km run across Liverpool- with some younger siblings attempting the shorter "mini dash".
Nicola added: "The boys have exceeded their original target of £400 and raised an amazing £635 so far. We are hoping that Barclays will match what they raise but this hasn’t been confirmed yet."
To support the Rainford Rangers fundraiser, visit here.
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