Jingle bell joggers raise £21,000 for High Peak hospice

Blythe House Hospicecare’s third annual jingle bell jog was re-imagined for the current times, and saw local runners take on five kilometre routes in their own communities, instead of coming together as in previous years.

Hundreds of people donned Santa fancy dress to jog and jingle locally across New Mills, Whaley Bridge, Chapel-en-le-Frith and Buxton – with participants also taking part further afield including in Leeds, Denton and even Vienna.

Money from online donations, cash sponsorship and registration fees totalled £21,366, raising more than £2,000 more than last year’s event.

All the money will go towards supporting local patients who are affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement, as well as their carers and families.

Feedback about the event was posted on the hospice’s Facebook page.

Clubbercise & Zumba with Accidental Fitness Buxton commented: “We had an awesome time, it was great to see so many Santas out and about.”

Ruth George posted: “Had a great day – fab to see so many Santas between Whaley and Chinley.”

Sonn Webb posted a photographed and captioned it ‘this one’s for you Dad and for everyone supported by the amazing Blythe House Hospicecare’.

Becca Gregory, fundraising and events co-ordinator at Blythe House, said: ‘This year has been a rollercoaster for everyone, including the hospice as our fundraising events have been cancelled and our shops closed.

"When we launched this, we did not know what to expect.

"We are beyond grateful and thrilled that hundreds of local people turned out to the support Blythe House.

"It was a very different event to usual, but we are all very used to this ‘new normal’ now, and it was a huge success.

"I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved, including volunteers, local companies that provided sponsorship or gifts in kind and, of course, everyone who took part.”