Hundreds turned out at this year’s elf-themed fun run to help raise funds for Lancashire Mind.
The 11th Mental Elf fun run was held at 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.
Lancashire Mind said £17,000 was raised by all those who took part making it one of its most successful events ever.
The money will allow Lancashire Mind to deliver its 10-week Bounce Forward resilience programme in eight schools, reaching more than 240 children.
Organiser and community and events fundraiser at Lancashire Mind, Nicola Tomkins, 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!”
Runners enjoyed music from the Worldwise Samba Drummers and were joined by BBC stars Jasmine and Gabriella T.
People of all ages take part in the runLancashire Mind chief executive David Dunwell said: “It was a 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 run attracts people from across the countyThe 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.
Marketing manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, Philippa Harrington, 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.