The festive spirit and community support were in full swing on Sunday, December 15, as over 100 participants donned their best elf costumes and Santa hats to take part in the inaugural Mental Elf Fun Run, raising nearly £8,000 for Mind in Furness, a local mental health charity. The event, held at Ford Park in Ulverston, brought together runners, volunteers, and sponsors for a day of fun, fundraising, and fitness, all in support of mental health services in the Furness area.
Despite the chilly weather, including rain and wind, the event’s participants displayed remarkable enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of the season while raising funds for a critical cause. With over 150 participants, the Mental Elf Fun Run covered a five-kilometre route and encouraged people of all fitness levels to get involved.
Georgia Little, Fundraising Manager for Mind in Furness, shared the event’s significance: “The Mental Elf is all about coming together as a community – to get active, have fun, and spread some festive cheer. But it’s also about raising essential funds for our charity, especially given the current challenges we’re facing with funding cuts and an increasing demand for our services.”
As a vital mental health service provider, Mind in Furness is committed to ensuring that no one in the region faces mental health challenges alone. However, as Georgia Little pointed out, sustaining and expanding these services requires ongoing financial support: “We cannot do what we do without our amazing supporters—whether they’re fundraising, donating, or spreading the word about the work we do.”
The success of the Mental Elf Fun Run was made possible by the tremendous support of local businesses, volunteers, and participants. Over 20 volunteers worked tirelessly to guide participants, manage the event, and create an enjoyable experience. Sponsors Siemens Energy and Kimberley-Clark also played a key role, with employees taking part in the run and distributing medals to the finishers.
Ulverston Town Council was another key supporter, providing energy bars for participants and a grant to cover event resources. Their contributions, alongside those of other local sponsors, helped make the event a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Thanks to the generosity of participants, donors, and sponsors, the event raised nearly £8,000. This substantial amount will directly support Mind in Furness’s ongoing work in the community, funding services such as counselling, peer support groups, and mental health advice. The funds raised will ensure that the charity can continue meeting the growing demand for its services and continue providing essential mental health support to those in need.
The JustGiving page for the Mental Elf Fun Run remains open, and anyone wishing to contribute retrospectively to the fundraising efforts can still make a donation.
The Mental Elf Fun Run wasn’t just about raising funds – it was a day full of joy and community spirit. Participants embraced the holiday theme by dressing up in creative elf costumes, Santa hats, and festive accessories. The event also featured a visit from the Grinch, who delighted participants by posing for photos and adding to the festive atmosphere.
The course itself was designed to be inclusive, offering a fun and accessible way for families, friends, and individuals of all fitness levels to get active together while supporting a vital cause.
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