WITH Christmas fast approaching a number of festive events are being organised to boost funds of Julia's House including a Santa fun run in Devizes and a special carol concert in Marlborough.

On December 8 a magical evening of carols by candlelight is to be held at Marlborough College chapel and royal biographer Penny Junor will be among the guest readers.

There will also be performances by the Salisbury Plain Military Wives' Choir and Marlborough Rock Choir. Tickets have just gone on sale and organisers are expecting them to be snapped up quickly.

Last year a similar event held in Dorset attracted 700 people and tickets sold out in record time.

Ian Wadley the charity's Wiltshire fundraising manager said: "We are expecting this to be a very special evening and hope it will raise a lot of money."

Work on building a new children's hospice in Devizes is moving forward quickly and its expected it will be ready to start taking youngsters with life-limiting illnesses from spring, 2017.

Mr Wadley said: "Money raised from the evening will be supporting the work of Julia’s House, providing frequent respite for families with life-limited children in the county. Julia’s House is opening the only dedicated Wiltshire-based children’s hospice."

Tickets cost £15 each with under-12s free. They are available online at Juliashouse.org or by calling the Wiltshire fundraising office on 01980 677105.

Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. Following the candlelit concert guests will be invited to stay on and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies.

Julia’s House is also hosting a Carols by Candlelight at Christchurch Priory in Dorset on 7th December. For further information about the Dorset concert please call 01202 644220.

Just three days later on December 11 a Santa fun run will start and finish in Hillworth Park, Devizes. The event which gets underway at 11am will have 1.5km and 3km routes for all the family.

Mr Wadley said: "This will be a fun, family-friendly run in the centre of Devizes. Runners will don Santa costumes and head out for a festive jog before the chance to meet Santa himself.

"This is a great way to get together with friends, family or colleagues and help us raise money for the first children's hospice in Wiltshire. Every fundraiser will get a free Santa suit - or festive costume for little helpers."

This is a sponsored fundraising event with suggested minimum sponsorship is £35 per adult and £15 per child.

For further information contact Liz Froud on 01980 677105.