Mental Elf festive fun run a huge success in Canterbury
Gemma Barnes from Barclays, TVs Phil Gallagher and Sheriff of Canterbury Keji Moses start Mental Elf in Canterbury
East Kent Mind’s inaugural Mental Elf 5km festive family fun was a huge success with people from across Kent. In blustery conditions, the sold out event took place on Sunday 24 November in Canterbury and was a massive hit with runners of all ages.
Over 160 runners signed up for the 5km fun run and its course took in the riverside area of Hambrook Marshes in central Canterbury. The entrants were rewarded with a festive Elf hat, and a special Mental Elf medal – once they crossed the finishing line.
The fun run was officially started by CBeebies star Mister Maker (aka actor Phil Gallagher) who took time out from performing in Beauty and the Beast at The Marlowe, as well as the Sheriff of Canterbury Keji Moses and Gemma Barnes from Barclays.
Mental Elf is an event that focuses on bringing people together, not only to fundraise but to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing locally. It promotes the benefits of physical activity, connecting with people and doing something to help others.
There are over 50 Local Mind Mental Elf events happening up and down the country, with East Kent Mind’s among the first.
Mental Elf will be an annual event and if people want to keep up to date with announcements from East Kent Mind, they can subscribe to our monthly newsletter here or follow our social media channels here: Facebook Instagram
Event organiser Simon Dolby (Development Lead for East Kent Mind) said: “It was a joy to see so many happy elves finishing the 5km family fun run and having a great time – while also raising much needed funds for East Kent Mind. With sponsorship money still coming in, we’ve already raised over £3,000 to help support people’s mental health in the region.
“Thanks to the runners for making this event such a hit and we look forward to hosting even more competitors at next year’s Mental Elf. We’d also like to thanks Barclays for their support and our fantastic volunteers, without whom the fun run wouldn’t have been such a success!”
To see more photos of our Elves, please visit our Flickr gallery here: Flickr Gallery
If you would like any information about East Kent Mind services, please visit our website here: eastkentmind.org.uk
