OVER 500 SANTAS will take to the roads of Dublin and Corktoday, raising money for a good cause.

The Santas in Dublin will set off at 5pm from the Phoenix Park at 5pm and make their way to O’Connell Bridge.

From there, they will head back to the Laurels pub in Clondalkin by way of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, for whom they are raising money.

In Cork, they will leave Goldberg’s on Victoria Road and complete a 7.5km circuit.

The Santas are aiming to raise money for Straight Ahead, a charity associated with the hospital.

It offers surgery, support and medical equipment for children with orthopaedic conditions.

These surgeries often take place when the hospital is empty such as weekends and bank holidays, taking children off waiting lists.

Pictured at the launch of the Santa Cycle in aid of CMRF Crumlin are Isabelle Whelan (10) from Rathfarnham, Dublin, supporter Matt Cooper and Brian Stirrat. Source: Mark Stedman

Scoliosis affects about 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The condition can also affect adults. It causes an abnormal curve of the spine or backbone.

Scoliosis Ireland notes the curve can bend to the left or to the right and can be in the lower part of the spine (a lumbar curve), the upper part of the spine (a thoracic curve), or go from the upper to lower part of the spine (a thoracolumbar curve). In some cases there is a double curve – like an S shape.

As of the end of January, the latest figures available, there were over 200 patients under the age of 18 waiting for scoliosis surgery in Ireland, including 190 people at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC) – some of whom have been waiting for over 18 months.

To take part in Dublin, click here. To take part in Cork, click here.

Read: Children with scoliosis on waiting lists more than 4 months given option to go abroad for surgery