A total of 44 runners from the Royal Free London, including the dementia team, were joined by Caroline Clarke, the trust’s chief finance officer, in donning Santa Clause costumes for the London Santa Run on 4 December. 

Caroline, who ran with Danielle Wilde, dementia lead at the trust, completed the 5K race at Victoria Park in 40 minutes on behalf of the Royal Free Charity and raised a combined £1,655 for the dementia service at the Royal Free London.  

Caroline said: “It was hard as I have not been running for about two years, but I really enjoyed it. I ran with the dementia team because they do such a good job for our patients and I wish we could give them more funding - that is why charity events like these are so important. I’ve never seen so many Santa’s in one place, and trying to find people was impossible, but it was great fun. 

“My six year- old daughter, Esmee ran with me for the 2k race, so I thought if she can do it then so can I! I’ve been hurting all over since the run, but it was definitely worth it and I am going to start running again now.”

For more information on how to donate money to the dementia service please see Caroline's just giving page and Danielle's just giving page.  

ENDS

Image: Caroline Clarke, chief finance officer, Esmee Clarke, Stephen Downer, support services team leader, Caroline Carey, therapy services support manager, Thiago Da Silva,senior clinical practitioner educator, Danielle Wilde, dementia lead and Charlene Allen, occupational therapist.

Notes to editors

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare.

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver and kidney transplantation, haemophilia, renal care, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, Parkinson's disease, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read 'A bigger trust, a better future'.