I never got to meet James but from meeting his family I've learned a lot about him, and like them he was full of fun, love and caring for others. Sadly in 2013 James was lost in a tragic road traffic accident at the tender age of 10. To honour his memory James' family set up The James Greenop Foundation and started using the money donated to help community projects.

In 2018 I met Russ, James' dad, at a networking event. Touched by the story behind the foundation and the work it did we made The James Greenop Foundation our charity. We've done some bits over the years, raised some money and used our expertise at Tornado to help where we can and this year we're going full (red) Father Christmas and dashing through the streets of Liverpool.

This will be my 3rd Santa Dash. After re-starting my football career in 2019 and losing a bit of weight I decided I'd give it a go and enjoyed it despite nearly passing out somewhere along Old Hall Street. Also, nobody warns you the Santa suit falls to bits and to wear your kit underneath so you don't scare the kids as you jog/walk/crawl through the city centre! After losing a bit more weight the 2020 edition took place virtually and a bitter blue Santa jogged through Sefton Park, getting some odd looks off the ducks.

In total I've lost nearly 50kg since January 2019, that's more than the weight of my 8 year old. I'm out running once a week to practice on the hills of Upholland and I'm looking for a festive personal best in both donations and running.

All your donations mean so much to me and The James Greenop Foundation. All donations will go back into local projects helping children and adults in our community, such as Legacy Kicks - https://www.thejamesgreenopfoundation.org/legacy-kicks/

WIKED Dance - https://www.thejamesgreenopfoundation.org/w-i-k-e-d-dance/

STARS Liverpool - https://www.thejamesgreenopfoundation.org/little-stars/

Thank you so much.

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