Mind in Bexley’s Inaugural Mental Elf Fun Run Brings Festive Cheer to Danson Park
On Sunday 7 December, Mind in Bexley proudly hosted its first Mental Elf Fun Run, bringing festive cheer, community spirit and mental health awareness to Danson Park in Bexleyheath.
The run began at 10am, with over 180 runners gathering at Danson Stables ready to take on the 5km course. The event was officially waved off by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Christine Catterall, marking a special moment for the charity’s inaugural Mental Elf event. Our Mental Elf fun run in Canterbury, which was the second edition, had 335 participants – which means Mind in Bexley and East Kent saw an amazing 515 runners take on our two events and help raise awareness for their local mental health charity.
Entrants of all ages and abilities took part, running, jogging or walking the route through Danson Park. Families, friends and individuals came together to enjoy the fresh air, festive atmosphere and sense of togetherness that Mental Elf is all about.
Community, Costumes and Connection
True to the spirit of Mental Elf, many runners embraced the festive theme, with elf hats and seasonal outfits adding colour and fun to the event. Danson Park was filled with encouragement, smiles and laughter as participants supported one another around the course.
The welcoming and inclusive nature of the run reflected Mind in Bexley’s commitment to creating opportunities that bring people together, reduce stigma around mental health and encourage positive wellbeing through connection and physical activity.
Congratulations to Penny Cole who was the Best Dressed Young Elf
David Wilkins and Steve Edwards were the Best Dressed Adult Elves
Supporting Mental Health in Bexley
Funds raised through the Mental Elf Fun Run will support Mind in Bexley’s local mental health services, helping our charity continue to provide vital support, advice and wellbeing activities for residents across the Borough. The event has raised over £3,000 so far – with money still coming in.
By combining physical activity with community engagement, the event highlighted how shared experiences and community-led initiatives can make a positive difference to mental health.
A Huge Thank You for the Success of Mental Elf
Mind in Bexley would like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered, supported from the side lines or helped make the event possible, as well as the Mayor of Bexley and consort for officially starting the run. A big shout out to Danson Stables, and Kailash Momo in Welling, for sponsoring the event, and to GoodGym and BVSC for their support with the stewarding.
Damian Sirso, Mind in Bexley’s Engagement and Fundraising Officer, said: “Thanks to everyone who attended our inaugural Mental Elf festive fun run. It was amazing to see such happy faces from the runners, spectators and volunteers. The rain held off and it was a joyful spectacle seeing so many elves running through scenic Danson Park. We look forward to welcoming you all to the event next year.”
The success of this inaugural Mental Elf Fun Run has laid the foundations for future festive events across Bexley, and Mind in Bexley looks forward to welcoming even more elves back to Danson Park in the years to come. Please keep an eye on our social media and our website for announcements about next year’s Mental Elf Fun Run event.
You can follow us on Facebook here and Instagram here. Or why not sign up for our monthly supporters newsletter here: mindinbexley.org.uk/newsletters
Our Flickr gallery with an array of photographs is below:
Sprinkle a little festive magic into your workplace with the Mental Elf Pack
If you missed Mental Elf Bexley, why not buy our Mental Elf Pack for your workplace?
December 8–14 is Mental Elf Week where supporters of the registered charity Mind in Bexley and East Kent can hold a fundraising collection to support its work.
To help get our supporters in the festive mood the charity is selling a Mental Elf Pack which includes two Elf hats, poster, an Elf Photoshoot in your workplace and the loan of a Mind in Bexley collection pot.
For more information, please visit: mindinbexley.org.uk/get-involved/mentalelf/mental-elf-pack
