FAMILY oat miller Mornflake in Crewe is supporting St Luke's Hospice as it calls on schools to sign up for its new-look Christmas fundraising campaign.

The company, based in Crewe, will provide a hearty porridge breakfast to thousands of children taking part in the hospice's Elf Run at schools and nurseries across Cheshire in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

The festive fundraiser, which replaces the annual Rudolph Run, has made nearly £100,000 for the Winsford hospice over the past three years and its fundraising team hope the new format will prove a big success for 2021.

Postcard invitations have been sent to schools and nurseries and fundraising packs including Elf hats, selfie frames, stickers and Santa suits for teachers are already winging their way to the 32 quick off the mark to sign up.

St. Luke's Community Partnerships Manager, Angela Slack, said: "We are so grateful to Mornflake for its support once again this year and of course to every school and pupil taking part.

"With their backing the festive sponsored run has raised just under £100,000 for St Luke's over the past three years making a big difference to the patients and families we support.

"As a small local charity, St Luke's only receives 15% of its funding from the government which means events of this kind are vital in enabling our nurses to continue to provide care."

Mornflake, a household name for its expertly crafted porridge, granola and muesli range, is a long-standing sponsor of Crewe Alexandra FC, community football coaching and the UK Triathlon for seasoned triathletes and beginners.

Last year more than 3000 children took part in the hospice campaign and all started their day with a Mornflake breakfast before stepping out in their festive gear to run round playgrounds and school fields.

Angela added: "As well as raising funds, the run encourages children to get out in the fresh air and get fit. So it's a perfect partnership with Mornflake as a large local employer renowned for championing healthy lifestyles from a young age. The link for health and wellbeing messages for the children is so important and the children love their porridge pots for a healthy breakfast before setting off."

Mornflake Managing Director James Lea said: "We are delighted to offer our support to this wonderful campaign which promotes health, fitness and community spirit, whilst raising money for such an important cause. St Luke's Hospice relies so heavily on the generosity of our community but, like so many other charities, the pandemic has hit hard.

"As a long-standing Cheshire company, we continue to be touched by the support it offers local people and endeavour to help as much as we can."

To host an Elf Run contact the St. Luke's Community Team on 01606 555697.