A record number of more than 400 people have raised an estimated £10,000 for local hospice care after taking part in a Christmas-themed 5k jog.
The Jingle Bell Jog – hosted by Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust – returned to the Pavilion Gardens for its sixth year on Sunday 10th December.
The festive event – which 355 adults and 58 children registered for - was due to take place on Sunday 3rd December but had to be postponed due to heavy snow across the High Peak. Some participants unfortunately could not attend the rearranged date, so undertook their own, virtual races when the weather improved.
Participants dressed in their Santa finery for a relaxed 5km route, alongside a 700m fun run for children and young people.
Rachael Gee, fundraising and events coordinator at the hospice, organises the event. She said: ‘We were disappointed to have to postpone the Jingle Bell Jog due to the snowy weather, but the reorganised event was incredible as always. We’re set to raise an amazing amount of money that will go directly towards supporting local patients and their families who are facing a life-limiting illness or bereavement.’
‘Huge thank you to everyone who made it such a success including our participants, volunteers and spectators. We are truly grateful to our headline sponsors, iBottles, who have supported the event for the second year running – showcasing their real commitment to our cause.
‘I’d also like to say a sincere thank you to iBottles for donating the goody bags and fantastic gifts for the 5k runners, and to other event supporters including Lhoist for sponsoring the medals; Up and Running in Sheffield for donating race numbers, and Buxton Water for donating bottled water.’
Super early bird registration is now open for next year’s Jingle Bell Jog on 1st December 2024. Sign up now for just £7 before Friday 22nd December 2023: www.jinglebelljog.org.uk