2023 Jingle Bell Jog: estimated funds for hospice care

Archive: this report covers the December 2023 Jingle Bell Jog.

In its 12 December 2023 report, the hospice said 413 people had registered for the Jingle Bell Jog and estimated it would raise £10,000 for local hospice care.

The Jingle Bell Jog – hosted by Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust – returned to the Pavilion Gardens for its sixth year on Sunday 10^th December 2023.

The event, for which 355 adults and 58 children registered, was due to take place on 3 December but was postponed because of heavy snow. Some participants could not attend the rearranged date and completed virtual runs instead.

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, organised 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 10^th 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 3^rd December alongside friend, Alison, following her diagnosis with breast cancer earlier in 2023.

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!’

Jingle Bell Jog 2026

The next Jingle Bell Jog is advertised for Sunday 6 December 2026 at Pavilion Gardens. The organiser says the event opens at 9:45am, with the 700m fun run for under-12s at 10:45am and the 5km jog at 11am. For registration and current details, see the Jingle Bell Jog website.

Raising vital funds for free hospice care

The run raises funds for Blythe House Hospice and its free care and support services.

The 2023 report stated that the hospice provided free care and support for people affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement. For current information about its services and funding, see the hospice website.