Doncaster mum set to take to streets dressed as Easter Bunny to put smiles on faces

Lucky Doncaster residents could catch a glimpse of the Easter Bunny hopping past their homes at the weekend.
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Claire Simpson has spent months training for the London Marathon, so when the event was cancelled recently, she decided to put her training to use in some other way.

The mum-of-two is now planning to dress up as the Easter Bunny on Sunday, and run around Woodlands, where she lives, to spread a little Easter magic.

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She said: “There are a lot of kids who won’t be getting to do their original Easter plans, or have Easter Bunny visits, so I thought it would be a good chance to put some smiles on little faces.

Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny runClaire Simpson in ready for her bunny run
Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny run

“I’ve been training a lot, up to about 18 miles, and I really didn’t want it all to go to waste, so I decided I needed another focus.

“I’ve planned out a 5K route around Woodlands, which I’ll be dressing up and running around in the morning, stopping to wave at all the children along the way.

“I’ve shared the idea on Facebook, and some people have requested I visit their streets, and I know there are parents who’ve planned to hide eggs in the front garden for the kids to ‘discover’ after I’ve been through.”

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Claire will be starting her run at 9am at The Crescent, before visiting Harold Avenue, Lawn Avenue, The Circuit, The Oval, Lutterworth Drive, Park Way, Washington Road, Stafford Road, Doncaster Lane, Grange Road, Fifth Avenue, and the top end of Welfare Road.

Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny runClaire Simpson in ready for her bunny run
Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny run

And after her bunny run, Claire will be donning her uniform and heading out for an afternoon shift at The Laurels Care Home in Norton, where she works as activities coordinator.

“With all the residents unable to have visitors, I’ve been busier there than ever,” said the 37-year-old.

“We’re working on keeping our residents happy and occupied, so we’ve been playing games, and baking, and having parties.

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“I’m still doing lots of manicures and making Easter bonnets, so not a lot has changed there at the minute.

Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny runClaire Simpson in ready for her bunny run
Claire Simpson in ready for her bunny run

“We’ve even been making rainbows for the windows, to show our support for everybody else out there.

“Of course it’s a scary situation, but we’ve had a lot of contact from the outside world - letters from the children at Toll Bar Primary School, Easter cards, and we’re lucky with the technology that family and friends have been able to keep in touch via email and Facetime.

“We’ll get through this.”