All the monies raised at the Santa Run has been presented to the Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor's Charity Appeal

Three charities are to benefit from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Santa Run, held last December.

More than 250 people dressed as Santa took part in the charity fundraiser at the Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare. The event was started by Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Cllr Doug Williams.

Runners of all ages and abilities took part in the 5km Santa Run and the 2km Santa Family Run at the popular tourist attraction in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The event raised £885 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, this year supporting CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), Prostate Cymru and Cystic Fibrosis.

Just one mile from Aberdare town centre, the Dare Valley Country Park offers access to acres of beautiful countryside, outdoor activities and an action-packed programme of events all year round.

The Cosy Cwtch cafeteria has been significantly upgraded, and a new coach park and bridges have been created near the reception area, improving access for thousands of visitors.

During the past year alone, an estimated 158,000 visitors have enjoyed the delights of the Dare Valley Country Park.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, Leisure and Tourism, Cllr Robert Bevan, said: “I am so glad the fundraising event was well supported by so many people in red suits!

“We are so proud of the facilities on offer at the Dare Valley Country Park, complementing the amazing natural beauty which surrounds the area. The revamped café, new coach park and bridges are the latest in a range of recent improvements.

“The Dare Valley Country Park is one of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s most popular tourist attractions and I am pleased to hear that visitor numbers are increasing year-on-year. There really is so much to entertain people of all ages here in one place.”

Suzie’s Fit2Dance team delivered the pre-run warm-up at the Dare Valley Country Park. All finishers received a medal, a free hot drink and a mince pie.

The Dare Valley Country Park, situated in a former coal mining area in the Cynon Valley, was officially opened in 1973. An area of natural beauty, the popular tourist attraction includes two lakes, many miles of walks and cycle paths, a visitor centre and an accommodation block.
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