A FESTIVE fun run saw more than 100 residents brave the cold in memory of a popular Maldon cricketer.

The annual Santa Fun Run in support of the David Randall Foundation was staged last weekend in the town’s Promenade Park.

The event is held in memory of David, who died in 2012, aged just 27.

David, who started playing at Maldon Cricket Club from just six alongside close friend and former England captain Alastair Cook, also batted for Essex from under-ten to under-19 level.

He played as an opening batsman for Maldon alongside Cook throughout their time together.

England’s record run scorer said: “I will never be embarrassed to say that David was a far better player than me.”

The foundation was set up in David’s name while he was battling with terminal cancer.

The foundation now supports families with children and parents suffering from cancer across the country.

The fun run is held every year, raising thousands of pounds for the foundation so it can continue to help people in similar positions to David and his family.

There are both 3km and 5km runs.

Santa suits were supplied to every runner who took part in the event, while their family and friends cheered them along the way.

Colin Horner, photographer and one of the event organisers, said: “The event was very well supported this year with runners coming from all over the county.

“Each entrant received a Santa outfit to run in and medal on completion.

“Santas of all ages joined in from tiny infants to the oldest participant who was over 80 years old.

“Participants could run the shorter 3km Reindeer Run or for the more agile the 5km run around the park.

“The event kicked off with a mascot race followed by a dance-off between the mascots with some cool moves.

“A warm-up of the Santas followed for all participants and anyone else who felt like joining in.”

The fun run is in keeping with David’s tireless fundraising before his death.

Before his illness, David competed in the Maldon Mud Race to raise money for Macmillan Nurses in 2011.

To find out more information about the work of the foundation, go to davidrandallfoundation.org.