A pensioner from Walton has set herself the challenge of running five kilometres in 30 minutes.

Stella Stephens, 82, will be among hundreds of runners taking on the Princess Alice Hospice Santa Fun Run in December.

Bushy Park will welcome supporters on Sunday, December 2, with hundreds more taking to Richmond Park on Sunday, December 9, for a 5km run.

Mrs Stephens has always enjoyed sport and remained active, playing lacrosse up until she was 65. She currently attends a keep fit class and runs several times a week. 

Mrs Stephens said: “This will be my third Santa Fun Run and it is so much fun. The journey to the park is interesting, my husband drives and I sit in the front fully suited up as Santa. The looks we get at traffic lights are very amusing.”

Entry to the events is £10 for everyone over 12 and includes a free Santa suit. For every paying adult, there is a free place for a child under 12 and they will receive a pair of reindeer antlers.

To sign up for the runs, visit pah.org.uk/santafunrun.