Lancashire Mind’s call for participation in SPAR sponsored ‘Mental Elf’ Fun Run

Mental health charity Lancashire Mind will be holding its flagship, festive event on Sunday 3rd December 2023 at Witton Park, Blackburn.

This year there are opportunities to take part in the usual 5k and 10k runs, as well as a shorter 2k option.

All ticket sales, donations and corporate sponsorship raised will generate vital funds to run the independent mental health charity.

The event is family-friendly with a range of free activities on the day, such as storytelling, face painting and interactive wellbeing workshops.

Nicola Tomkins, Community and Events Fundraiser at Lancashire Mind explains more: “Mental Elf is always a fantastic, fun event and a great chance for all the family to get together, as well as supporting a great cause.

“It’s the chance for sports teams to build their relationships outside their usual environment or for schools to bring along their students. It gives an extra reason to take the dog out for a walk (we welcome furry friends) and it’s also a great way for businesses to engage with their colleagues and customers – no matter their size or sector.

“This year we are reminding people they are not alone. With more ways than ever before to get involved, we hope to see everyone unite at Mental Elf to promote the importance of looking after each other, and ourselves, this winter.”

SPAR wholesaler for the North of England, James Hall & Co. Ltd, has agreed to be a headline sponsor once again.

Tom Murphy, Marketing Manager at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “We are delighted to headline sponsor Lancashire Mind’s flagship Mental Elf Fun Run for a second consecutive year as part of our wider support for the charity.

“It’s a fantastic community event, and while dressed up as a fun day out for all the family in the run up to Christmas, it raises hugely important funds for Lancashire Mind’s work supporting better mental health for people who live and work in Lancashire.”

Other local Lancashire businesses are sponsoring the event, such as Piece Business Advisory & Accountancy Group, Essential Industrial Services Ltd and RSM.

“A huge thank you to James Hall & Co. Ltd and all our corporate partners. We simply couldn’t do what we do without you and your amazing volunteer fundraisers.

“Fundraising events and participation in them are so important and enable Lancashire Mind to continue working with individuals, schools, community groups and businesses across Lancashire to promote resilience, prevention, and awareness of poor mental health.

“With 1 in 4 people experiencing poor mental health, and a huge increase in our demand for our services, this support means more than ever.” Nicola Tomkins, Lancashire Mind.

Vikkey Cha­e, Head of External Relations, added: “With ever growing waiting lists for support with poor mental health, it is imperative that we support the people of Lancashire to enable them to be mentally healthy.

“We can only do this by fundraising and Mental Elf is a really fun way for you to be able to do this. Make it a family tradition!”

If you would like to find out more about Mental Elf in terms of corporate places in the races, school teams, families coming along or an individual place, please contact nicolatomkins@lancashiremind.org.uk or visit www.lancashiremind.org.uk/pages/mental-elf.