Lancashire Mind’s elf-themed fun run raises £17,000 for better mental health

There was pure Christmas joy on the faces of elves of all ages who took on a festive challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Lancashire Mind’s 11th Mental Elf fun run was its biggest and best yet – a sell-out event with more than 400 people running and walking in aid of the mental charity, plus dozens more volunteering to make the day a huge success.

The winter sun shone on Worden Park in Leyland as families gathered for either a 5K course, a 2K run, or a Challenge Yours’Elf distance which saw many people running 10K with the usual running gear replaced with jazzy elf leggings, tinsel and Christmas hats.

And now the pennies have been counted, Lancashire Mind has announced that the event raised a fantastic £17,000.

This amount of money allows Lancashire Mind to deliver, for example, its 10-week Bounce Forward resilience programme in eight schools, reaching more than 240 children with skills and strategies that they can carry with them throughout their lives, making them more likely to ‘bounce forward’ through tough times.

Organiser Nicola Tomkins, community and events fundraiser at Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of the entire team at Lancashire Mind, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the 400+ incredible participants who joined us for Mental Elf 2024!

“Your support, energy and commitment to raising awareness for mental health makes all the difference. Together, we've taken another important step towards breaking the stigma around mental health and promoting wellbeing for all in our community. We couldn't have done it without you!” 

Worden Hall became the hub of the event where people could enjoy music from the Worldwise Samba Drummers and BBC stars Jasmine and Gabriella T, plus lots of family friendly activities and a chance to meet Father Christmas. Pets also got in on the act in the best dressed dog competition.

David Dunwell, Lancashire Mind CEO, said: “It was heart-warming day, full of community spirit and festive cheer, but with a serious aim to raise funds for mental health.

“We are so grateful to everyone who bought a ticket and fundraised or donated to help us smash our target. The money raised goes directly to supporting Lancashire Mind’s life-changing mental health services. These funds help provide wellbeing coaching, support groups, and educational programmes to individuals and families in need of mental health support in our community.”

The concept of Mental Elf was created by Lancashire Mind and news of the event has spread right across the country in recent years, with around 40 other local Mind charities hosting a similar event in 2024.

Lancashire schools were also encouraged to host their own Mental Elf-themed event this year, whether that was a run, bake sale or dress up day, and raised more than £1,000 in total.

The event attracted sponsorship from a host of companies, including headline sponsor SPAR through its association with wholesaler James Hall & Co. Ltd, Blackburn accountancy firm Pierce, Essential Industrial Services, Complete., and Marsden Rawsthorn solicitors.

Philippa Harrington, marketing manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “There was a lovely festive feel in the air at Mental Elf and we were delighted to see even more individuals, families, and canine companions taking part in its new home of Worden Park.

 “We are also very pleased to see the uptake that Mental Elf has had in schools, and congratulations go to the Lancashire Mind team for taking it to new participants and for raising a fantastic amount of money for an important cause.”

Lancashire Mind is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2025 and will be encouraging runners of all abilities to join with the fundraising. Tickets will be available for the Great North Run, Manchester half marathon, Manchester 10K and, of course, Mental Elf 2025! Please email [email protected] to register your interest