Over 400 walkers and runners took part in the Haven House Pumpkin Festival on Sunday 27 October. 

The event sponsored by Gates (Ford), was a brilliant mix of determined 5k and 10k runners followed by an afternoon of pumpkin-fun, which saw children and adults taking on a family friendly walk.

Participants enjoyed the forest course and walked or ran the route, taking in the local woodland, and adventure trail. There was also face painting, games, medals, beat the goalie and even a free pumpkin once the plod was completed. 

Despite recent downpours, the sun finally shone, and fans of the Halloween favourite came dressed in spooky costumes such as pumpkins, spiders and skeletons. Organisers, who had promised this year's Pumpkin Festival would be "bigger and better than before", said the turnout had been "fantastic".

  

Sophie Bragg, Events Fundraising Manager at Haven House said: “We’d like to thank our volunteers, sponsors and the local community for taking part and their generosity in supporting their local children’s hospice. We have raised an incredible £18,000 with sponsorship money still coming in.

“It was great seeing so many people dressed up and getting into the atmosphere helping to make it a super success. The event is a firm fixture of half-term fun in the local calendar. Make sure it’s in yours for 2020!

Runner Alison Sale said: “The 10k run was a lot of fun (& a lot of mud!) so well organised and great, enthusiastic volunteers - thank you.” 

Mum-of-three Alex Beckwith said: “It was muddy but great fun. It was wonderful to see exactly where your sponsorship money is going. Haven House is an incredible place, in beautiful surroundings, doing such vital work for the community.”

If you enjoyed the Pumpkin Festival, why not come along to our Christmas Wonderland at the hospice where you will see our woodland turned in to the most spectacular Santa’s grotto. 

Find out more at https://www.havenhouse.org.uk/Event/christmas-wonderland-2019