A record number of more than 400 people have raised an estimated £10,000 for local hospice care after taking part in a the Christmas-themed 5k Jingle Bell 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 2023.
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.’
Julie Goodwin took part in the event on Sunday 10th December alongside friends and family, Pip Gregory and David Cook, in memory of her husband, Mick who died in December 2019.
Mick’s whole family accessed care and support from the hospice before and after he sadly died. Julie said: ‘Emma, the nurse, was brilliant; we cried an awful lot on her shoulder, and my granddaughter saw the children’s counsellor; everyone really was brilliant.’
Emilie Baker and her mum, Joanne took on their own jog on Saturday, 9th December, in memory of their treasured Grandma and Mum, Florence.
Emilie explained: ‘My Grandma was always telling my mum and me how much the hospice had helped her, and she wanted to give back too, so she used to go to the shop and buy something after each of her sessions to raise a little bit more to help others. It’s so important to help raise money for such an amazing cause because Blythe House not only helped my Grandma, but helps so many people on a daily basis. I just want to be able to give something back to be able to help others.’
Nicola Whitelaw took part in her own very snowy Jingle Bell Jog on Sunday 3rd December alongside friend, Alison, following her diagnosis with breast cancer earlier this year.
Nicola said: ‘I was aware of Blythe House before my diagnosis but I didn’t know the hospice supported people in the community – I thought it was for end of life care! I found out about the Breast Friends group at the hospice through a running friend and I am hoping to join the group. I decided to sign up to the Jingle Bell Jog as a recovery goal! I want to raise awareness of the incredible hospice, Breast Friends group, and breast cancer in general; if this helps support or helps one other person then some good has come from this!’
Early bird registration for Jingle Bell Jog 2024
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: jinglebelljog.org.uk
Raising vital funds for free hospice care
All money raised from the event goes towards providing free of charge hospice care to local patients and their families who are affected by a life-limiting illness or bereavement. The charity receive less than a quarter of their funding from the government so must raise crucial funds by hosting events like this one.
Blythe House Hospicecare in partnership with Helen’s Trust provides free care to people across the High Peak, Hope Valley, Derbyshire Dales and North East Derbyshire, who are affected by life-limiting illness. It now costs more than £1.3 million every year to keep services running. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our community, the care and support Blythe House and Helen’s Trust provides remains completely free of charge.
Blythe House, Eccles Fold, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak SK23 9TJ
T: 01298 815388
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