Dereham Santa sleigh raises vital funds for local first responder group

An annual Christmas fundraising tradition in Dereham has raised vital funds for the local community first responder group.

Each December, Dereham and District Round Table arrange for Santa to ride his sleigh along the streets of Dereham and the surrounding areas, meeting and greeting children.

The Dereham Community First Responders were one of three chosen local charities this year to receive donations by the local community in a Facebook poll.

Santa has visited eight areas in Dereham and the surrounding areas, including Watton, Swanton Morley, Scarning and Toftwood.

The Dereham community first responders on the annual Santa sleigh organised by Dereham and District Round Table

Morgan Woodward, Vice-Chairman of Dereham and District Round Table, said:

“Thank you to the local community for supporting the Santa sleigh runs over December.

“We love bringing the Christmas spirit to the area, whilst raising money for great causes.

“It’s been great to have the Dereham Community First Responders come out to help on some of these and get involved with what we do.”

Peter Sefton-Smalley, Community Response Manager for Norfolk and Waveney at The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“A big thank you to the Dereham and District Round Table for this wonderful Christmas tradition and to the public who voted to support the Dereham Community First Responders.

“The local Santa sleigh run is a brilliant event that brings Christmas to the community, while raising vital donations for local charities.

“Our volunteers have been taking part in the festivities and are kindly receiving funds towards the purchase of a new life-saving response kit.

“The Dereham Community First Responders are proactive in the community, constantly volunteering their time to treat patients and a new kit will go towards providing more life-saving care.”

The community first responder groups are supported by the East of England Ambulance Service Charity.

To help support your community you can donate to the Dereham Community First Responders JustGiving page.