Spreading Christmas cheer at St Luke’s Santa Dash

Kim and Ian Bond will be stepping into their familiar red suits this December, bringing festive magic to the St Luke’s Hospice Santa Dash as Mr and Mrs Claus.

Taking place at Nower Hill High School in Pinner on 7 December 2025, the Santa Dash is a 5km fun run, where hundreds of St Luke’s supporters dress as Santa to raise money for the hospice’s essential palliative and end of life care.

For Kim, it’s a cause close to her heart – her mum, Rosemary, received care from St Luke’s 15 years ago, and she’s never forgotten the kindness they showed.

“The hospice helped a lot, an awful lot. And the staff, you know, you couldn’t ask for more caring people,” she says. “They gave my mum peace when she needed it and a bit of care outside as well.”

Kim’s desire to give back – and lift others – runs deep. “I believe in kindness and I don’t do it for anything else,” she says.

Kim and Ian’s yuletide journey began during the COVID lockdowns. While volunteering with food-sharing app Olio, Kim realised they could brighten children’s days while making deliveries.

“We started with delivering gifts to children and we’d have a bag and we’d put it in the front door, we’d knock, we’d take steps back, children would open the door and they’d see Santa, but socially distanced,” she recalls.

“We had a lot of parents in tears because their kids could actually see Santa and it went from there.”

They’ve since continued bringing joy across the region, from Chichester to Staines and Wembley. “We saw over 2000 children in two weeks last year,” Kim says.

Being Mrs Claus has become a true passion. “I like to find different things to make people giggle and smile because a little bit of kindness, a bit of a smile goes a long way.”

This December, that joy will be shared with supporters of St Luke’s – who, like Kim, believe in the power of kindness and community.

Reflecting on what her mum would think of it all, Kim smiles: “Oh, she’d love it. She giggled a lot. She found life funny.”

Ready to join the fun?

Find out how to sign up for the Santa Dash here.