A GLASGOW schoolboy is taking part in this year's Santa Dash to raise funds for a cancer charity in memory of his grandad - and is encouraging his classmates to join him.
Charlie Nugent, 10, from Cadder, has raised almost £1000 for the Beatson Charity since his granda Eddie passed away in May.
The P6 pupil at St Blane's Primary School in North Glasgow will join around 4000 runners as the much-loved fundraiser returns to the city’s streets on December 10.
Profits from the Glasgow City Council event will be split between the Beatson Cancer Charity and the Lord Provost’s Charity Fund, which helps children and vulnerable citizens across the city.
Charlie says he is looking forward to running alongside his classmates on the day and making Eddie.
Charlie said: “My granda died in May and he was at the Beatson a lot, they are a great cause.
"I thought the Santa Dash would be fun and I wanted to do it for Beatson Cancer Charity because a lot of my family went there when they had cancer.
“It makes me feel happy to fundraise. My granda would be happy and proud of me I think."
Charlie will be joined on the run by some of his school friends after a rallying call to boost numbers.
He added: “My mum asked the parents of my classmates if some of them wanted to do the Santa Dash with me and a lot of them said yes.
“It’ll be lots of fun. It’ll probably be cold but it’ll be a good day.”
Charlie’s mum, Mandy Toland, said: “I am so proud of him. He has turned a very sad time into a positive experience, which keeps his granda’s memory alive in a way that would have made him very proud.
“Charlie and him were like best friends. They spent a lot of time together and they'd go swimming every week, off to the cinema, walks in the park and go on holiday together every year.
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“They both adored each other and had such an amazing bond. Eddie always encouraged Charlie to be a better person, and raising money for Beatson Cancer Charity in his memory is a perfect example of the influence he had on Charlie.
“It makes me so happy that Charlie has inspired others to get involved in the Santa Dash.
“Every donation helps, so the more people who take part the better. It's important for young people to be involved in fundraising for charities, as it is part of their future and the charities rely on these donations to keep running.”
Maisie McCormick, community fundraising manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are so excited for the Santa Dash to take place again this year.
“Last year’s event was a great success and we loved seeing everyone in their festive t-shirts and outfits at Glasgow Green.
“Santa Dash participants have helped raise over £400,000 for us since 2016, which is absolutely incredible.
“Everyone who signs up to take part this year will be continuing to support cancer patients and their families across Scotland.”
Entry for the Santa Dash costs £16 per adult and £6 per child under the age of 16 years.
All ages and dogs are welcome – those with prams and dogs will be in the last group for safety reasons.
Run numbers and t-shirts will be available for collection from a store in St Enoch’s Shopping Centre ahead of the event. Further details will be included in registration packs.
Register to take part in the Santa Dash at www.glasgow.gov.uk/santadash. Registration closes on Friday 8th December at 4pm.
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