• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Wednesday December 20 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Financial adviser Dave Southby runs 10k as Santa for charity

Swindon financial adviser Dave Southby became Santa for a day when he took part in the DBMax Christmas 10km race at Westonbirt in aid of Swindon & Gloucestershire MIND.

Dave (30) who lives in Wroughton, joined a few other Santas and many others who all took part in the event running a circuit around the National Arboretum near Tetbury on December 10.

Dave has raised over £250 with this latest event – bringing his total fund-raising so far for the charity to over £1,100 during 2023. He still plans to keep on raising money until the end of the year.

“Taking part in the Santa fun run was slightly less fun when I realised how hot I was going to be in my Santa suit,” he said.  “After about 1km I realised it was going to be a hell of a challenge to get around the course. However, I kept going.”

Dave chose Swindon & Gloucestershire MIND as his charitable partner for 2023 as the charity had supported a close friend through a difficult time.

“Their work is vital even though you hope you’ll never need their support. My friend reached out in a time of crisis and they were there – and both of us will be grateful for that. I’m pleased to say that friend is now in a much better and happier place in his life.”

Fundraising is vital for Swindon & Gloucestershire MIND, because its services are costly yet needed as at least one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, with one in six people reporting a common mental health problem such as anxiety and depression.

Locally, at least 12 per cent (approximately, 27,600 people) of the population in Swindon and 11 per cent (approximately, 70,000) of the population in Gloucestershire experience a common mental health problem.

For one member of staff to answer calls on the charity’s Mind Line service costs £140 per day, and for seven days per week, it costs £348,251 per year to keep the lines manned.

To fund the charity’s Wellbeing Day services Monday to Friday, providing face-to-face and group support in the community, costs £967.08 per day.

“I’d like to thank every individual who has supported my fundraising efforts this year. Giving back is very important to me and it’s something I will continue to do as I grow my business within the Swindon and Wiltshire community,” Dave said.

Dave is a partner with St James’ Place and helps individuals, families and small business owners to manage their wealth effectively.

To make a last-minute donation visit

Pictured: Dave with wife Bex (left) and friend Stacey (right)

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