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Coronavirus 'Uncertainty' Cancels Isle Of Wight's Santa Dash

The Isle of Wight's famous Santa Dash won't be going ahead this year.

Mountbatten says the coronavirus lockdown and 'ongoing uncertainty' around COVID-19 has made organising the event 'impossible'.

It will return in December 2021, however.

Mountbatten has launched other festive fundraising initiatives to help plug the gap left by the loss of income.

Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley said:

“Last year Santa Dash raised over £5,000 for Mountbatten, so to lose this important event is another setback in a year that has already been so challenging.

“That said, we have to keep finding ways to raise money because the need for our services is greater than ever and will continue to grow.

“We are trying, as much as we possibly can, to reach more people on the Island, and especially at this time of year, particularly those who live alone or in isolation.

“Please do keep supporting us in any way possible because every penny really helps us to make a difference.”

Other ways of supporting Mountbatten include ordering Christmas cards from its online shop, buying a voucher or extra virtual gift or by giving a donation to receive a personalised Christmas message from Father Christmas.

Shoppers using platforms such as Amazon Smile and Give as you Live can also nominate Mountbatten as their chosen charity to receive a donation when they buy goods.

For more information on festive fundraising for Mountbatten, https://www.mountbatten.org.uk/Listing/Category/christmas-2020

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