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500 Santas hold the Quay to saving lives

27/12/2006

MORE than 500 Santas ditched Rudolph and relied on leg power to raise money for charity.

Former Coronation Street star Johnny Briggs, Mike Baldwin, started the 3km Santa Dash at Salford Quays in aid of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Johnny's character was killed off by a massive heart attack earlier this year. Every runner was provided with a Father Christmas outfit, while children wore festive fancy dress and antlers.

Salford Music and Performing Arts Service entertained the crowds with a number of carols.

The race was one of several across Britain and the BHF will use the money raised to help the 2.7million people who live with heart disease.

Johnny said: "What a fantastic sight, 500 Santa's all running around raising money for a very important cause looked great. I've really enjoyed being involved."

Regional event organiser Dan Schofield said: "We're delighted with the amount of Santas who took part - it was quite a sight and we're hoping they'll raise over £20,000."

About 5,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart defects and the BHF has funded research into the condition.

Now, four in five of the children survive - compared to just one in five about 40 years ago.