"A flurry of activity rippled though the crowd, which by now was a sea of red, green and white. Mutterings among Elves and Snowmen of 'He's here' spread like wildfire until all eyes were turned and fixed with anticipation on the figure that was now emerging from the Winter's fog.
The dark silhouette, which had been mysterious at first, slowly crept into view, revealing a familiar face. Dressed in red, with white fur trim, a black belt and a grey bushy beard, it was none other than Old Saint Nick who approached, and today as with years gone by, he had but one job to complete..."
It was a scene you would be forgiven for attributing to the North Pole this December as Santa Clause readies himself to climb down countless chimneys delivering presents to everyone on his 'Nice List'... Except you would be wrong to do so.
No, in fact, it was a scene that unfolded between Zipporah staff as they waited in their festive attire for Technical Director Scott Burton (dressed as Santa Claus) to make his appearance at the annual 'Santa Dash' for charity Welsh Hearts in Cardiff Bay.
Not ones to turn down a challenge, the group of 8 Zipporah staff (pictured above) were descended on Roald Dahl pass, joining 400 runners in making a 5k dash across Cardiff Bay in support of the diligent work undertaken by Welsh Hearts.
One of a number of events staged throughout the year by the Welsh charity, the Dash has become, with its family friendly appeal, an important event in raising awareness of heart disease in Wales, its impact and what measures can be implemented reduce the effect it has on the Welsh population.
Among the charity's goals going forward is one to see a defibrillator next to every fire extinguisher in Wales - an already pivotal emergency point in most buildings.
In Wales last year approximately 8,000 sudden cardiac arrests occurred outside of hospital. Reports tell us that only 3% of that number will survive. A shocking statistic. Particularly when quick access to a defibrillator increases the chance of survival to 47%. And it's this statistic that prompted Welsh Hearts to act.
It's hoped introducing more defibrillators will help to bring the fatality rate down significantly, and so events and support like the Santa Dash help to play a big part in achieving better healthcare for cardiac patients in Wales.
And so the gauntlet was laid down, and the question asked 'How could Zipporah do its bit to help Welsh Hearts?'
The run began shortly before midday, starting amidst gales and Arctic winds. But spurred on by fever pitch cries from onlooking supporters the runners not to be discouraged by the Welsh weather set off in their droves. Testing the metal of even the most ardent running enthusiast, the Bay's barrage left participants at the mercy of the elements.
But perseverance won the day and before the rain could set in, not that it would have done much to dampen spirits, each Zipporah runner was there and back again and over the line with a respectable time.
A good run out for Zipporah, and a chance to give back to the Welsh community.
Latest announcements from Welsh Hearts indicate 130 defibrillators have been donated as part of their latest campaign, finding homes among Wales' rural communities, work places and schools. The Santa Dash has gone someway towards increasing this number, and its safe to say Zipporah will be back again next year to continue backing the team at Welsh Hearts, albeit hoping for sunshine and a larger set of lungs!
To find out more about Welsh Hearts or to donate, visit www.welshhearts.org
For more information on this article contact: Ioan Davies, Marketing Executive, Zipporah Ltd 02920 647048, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
