Darlington Mind is delighted to announce that this year’s Mental Elf Festive Fun Run has raised over £5,000 to support vital mental health services in the local area.
Despite a torrential downpour the day before, the event was met with sunshine as runners, walkers – and plenty of dogs – turned out in force at South Park, dressed in their most creative and colourful festive costumes.
Participants were kept in high spirits with lively Christmas music from a DJ, and Cockerton Silver Band serenaded runners as they made their way around the 5km course. A festive selfie booth run by Yorkshire Rose Events proved a popular addition, while panto characters from The Majestic Theatre brought extra sparkle as they entertained spectators and families throughout the morning.
The energetic warm-up was led by Physique Health Club, ensuring everyone was ready to take on the route. Darlington Mind is also grateful for the generous support of EE and Aldi, this year’s event sponsors, whose contributions helped make the day a great success.
The event saw a 50% increase in sign-ups (300 registered participants) compared to the inaugural run last year – a reflection of the community’s growing enthusiasm and commitment to supporting mental health locally.
Jemma Gregory, Marketing and Development Officer for Darlington Mind, says, “The atmosphere on the day was absolutely amazing - it was wonderful to see so many people with smiling faces, full of festive cheer, and really embracing the Christmas spirit. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported this special event.
As a small team, we rely heavily on the incredible support of our staff and volunteers, including our corporate volunteers. Events like this simply wouldn’t be able to run without them. Every single person who attended, helped on the day, or worked tirelessly behind the scenes played a vital part in making the event happen. We truly can’t thank them enough.”
Supporting Local Mental Health
All proceeds from the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run will go directly toward Darlington Mind’s mental health services. As an independent local charity, Darlington Mind is separate from national Mind. This means all money raised stays in the region, funding local support, counselling, wellbeing activities and specialist programmes for people across Darlington, Hambleton, Richmondshire and South-West Durham.
Looking Ahead
Darlington Mind is already gearing up for next year’s Mental Elf, which will take place on 29th November 2026. For updates on the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run and other upcoming events, visit:
darlingtonmind.com/events
For information about Darlington Mind’s mental health services:
darlingtonmind.com/services-support
01325 283169
[email protected]
Images: Kim Hollins Photography
