A RECORD turn-out for an annual Santa run has helped a small charity that helps struggling families to the tune of more than £2,000.

The Spirit of Monmouth running club’s Santa special raised a total of £2,332.67 – including a £1,000 bonus from Barclays Bank – for Home Start Monmouthshire.

The charity, which is based at the Bridges Centre in Monmouth, works with families across Mon­mouthshire with children younger than five.

Rosemary Bowen, of Homestart’s fund-raising committee, said: “I could stand here all morning and say thank you and it wouldn’t be enough.

“Making this amount of money is not something that happens for us, we average about £400.

“What an awesome sight it was to see the runners going up through with all those red Santa hats.”

A total of 377 runners took part in the 5km run from the historic Monnow Bridge through the town – an entry some 50 per cent up on last year.

The cheque was presented by race director Stuart Kramer and club communications officer Emma Skipp during a party for Homestart’s 40 volunteers.

Homestart manager Pam Lloyd said the donation would go towards the £16,000 they have to raise annually to keep the project going.

She said: “We help families with a child under five who are struggling in some way.

“We offer emotional and practical support such as accompanying them to a hospital appointment or putting in a routine around bedtime.

“We have a small staff of three and about 40 volunteers so the money could help pay for volunteers’ driving expenses or paying for small treats for families.”

Ms Skipp said the club was keen to support organisations in Monmouth and a club member had suggested Homestart.

Mr Kramer added: “We had a lot of e-mails from people saying it was good to support a Monmouth charity and to give something back.”

The Santa run is one of the highlights of the club’s year and one of the biggest events in 2016 will be the annual Kymin Dash.

Mr Kramer said: “It’s been a great year for the club, we are building and building.

“We ran two running courses this year which takes people from couch to 5k in 10 weeks and finishes with a park run.”

To find out more about volunteering for Homestart Monmouthshire or how to get help visit www.homestartmonmouthshire.org.uk.

The Spirit of Monmouth’s main club night starts at 7.30pm on Tuesdays at the Monmouth School sports club.