Liverpool’s vibrant annual Santa Dash brought a sea of red and blue to the city streets on the first weekend of December. This year’s event held special significance, coinciding with World AIDS Day and serving as an important reminder of the importance of community, awareness, and support. Among the thousands of Santas dashing through the city, nine incredible volunteers ran to raise funds for Sahir, Liverpool City Region’s longest-running LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.
We have been a cornerstone of support since 1985, offering vital services such as counseling, peer support, and community outreach to those living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s runners—Gerard Bowers McIntyre, John Hyland, John Lowe, Lycoris Bower, Luke Shannon, Gopal Prasher, Sr. Polly Amarosa, Kay, and Natalie Gaskell—came together to highlight the charity’s incredible work and ensure its continued impact.
Stories of Inspiration
Each runner had a personal story and motivation for taking part.
Gerard Bowers McIntyre shared a deeply personal connection to the cause: “I’m participating to support something which is nearly as old as me. As someone who has been living with HIV for over 16 years, it’s something very close to my heart. Supporting an organisation like Sahir helps build community, break down barriers, and remove stigma for others. Hopefully, everyone can see the value in that.”
John Hyland spoke about the broader need for community support: “I have seen firsthand the issues and concerns faced by the LGBTQ+ community and also the support that Sahir is providing. But a lot of that support goes unfunded, and the charity needs as much backing as possible.”
John Lowe highlighted the importance of collaboration: “We must share the love throughout our LGBTQ+ charities in the region and shine a light on them. Sahir has been supporting our LGBTQ+ communities and people living with HIV across the Liverpool City Region for forty years. We are all stronger together for the benefit of our community as a whole.”
Sr. Polly Amarosa brought together two unique groups for the event: “The Trans Pennine Travelling Sisters teamed up with Liverpool Leathermen to run in the Santa Dash this World AIDS Day. It’s important to support Liverpool City Region’s longest-running LGBTQ+ and HIV Charity and their fantastic work.”
Kay and Natalie joined the effort to give back: “Sahir has supported us over the last 12 months. This is our way of showing our appreciation and giving back to an organisation that means so much to us.”
Lycoris Bower, Luke Shannon, and Gopal Prasher, members of Liverpool University’s LGBTQ+ Society committee, reflected on their friendship with Sahir: “We have been longtime supporters of Sahir and the amazing work they do with their LGBTQ+ counseling and peer support groups. They’ve been our biggest ally, supporting us with resources, free sexual health advice, and most of all, encouragement! This is a small thank you for all the work Sahir does and for all those living with HIV.”
Making an Impact
Through their efforts, these nine runners not only raised critical funds but also amplified the message of hope, resilience, and unity. Sahir’s work—providing a safe space, breaking down stigma, and offering compassionate care—remains as vital as ever. The Santa Dash served as a powerful reminder of the strength of the Liverpool community and the importance of standing together.
As Gerard aptly put it, this effort helps “break down barriers and remove stigma,” and every step taken in the Santa Dash was a step toward a more inclusive and supportive society.
This year, the Santa Dash raised an incredible £3,547 for Sahir, ensuring the continuation of our vital services and support.
If you’d like to contribute to Sahir, or learn more about our work, reach out to info@sahir.org.uk, or head to our donate page and support our Pound for Sahir campaign.
We’re #StrongerTogether.