The Wakefield Hospice Reindeer Run is back for 2026, with schools and nurseries encouraged to sign up today to be a part of the charities biggest mass-participation fundraiser of the year.

YPO, one of the UK’s largest public sector buying organisations, is supporting Wakefield Hospice’s Reindeer Run, asking pupils to run a sponsored mile this festive season to support local hospice care.

This year, Wakefield Hospice is aiming to raise £50,000 through the campaign, with sign-ups now open for schools and nurseries.

As part of the festive fun, every child is given their own set of reindeer antlers, with a Santa suit included for one lucky teacher to lead the runners on their way!

Towngate school took part in last year's fun event.

placeholder image — Towngate school took part in last year's fun event.

Each nursery child is provided with a ‘make your own Rudolph hat’ to wear during their run, funded by YPO.

YPO has also donated stationery products, including pens, whiteboard markers and glue sticks, which will be included in YPO-branded tote bags for each school that

registers.

Adding to the festive cheer, YPO drivers will once again drop off event materials directly to schools and nurseries across Yorkshire through a special Santa’s delivery service.

Last year, 13,000 children from across Wakefield took part in the event, raising £43,000 for the hospice.

Alex Cunniff, Community & Events Manager at Wakefield Hospice, said: “Each year we are blown away by the incredible support of local schools and nurseries from across the Wakefield district as pupils of all ages don their reindeer antlers to help support local patients and families at Christmas.

“We would like to say a big thank you to every school and nursery who has taken part in the event before, we would love your support once again this year, and if your school or nursery has not taken part before, there’s never been a better time to get involved.

“We’d also like to say a big thank you to our friends at YPO for once again supporting the campaign this year.

"Their kind involvement helps us extend the reach of the Reindeer Run and provide free resources for participants, while bringing a little extra Christmas magic when Santa and his elves arrive with the Reindeer Run packs in their big purple YPO vans!”

For more information and to sign-up visit www.wakefieldhospice.org/reindeer