​​Olympic champion to start West Sussex Mind's second annual Mental Elf 5k in Worthing

The fun run will take place on Worthing seafront on Sunday, November 26, building on the success of West Sussex Mind's first 5k fun run last year, which saw more 180 people take part and £9,300 raised for local people's mental health.

The festive-themed run and walk is open to people of all ages and abilities, and is very much a community event, with dogs also welcome.

People are encouraged to dress up as elves, although this is not compulsory. There are medals for every participant and there will be a fun warm-up, led by Worthing gym Intent91. This year's event will also feature live music from Spring into Soul Gospel Community Choir and Drumheads Samba Band, with refreshments on site and a Santa sleigh for families, hosted by Worthing Lions.

Kerrin Page, West Sussex Mind chief executive, said: "We are extremely excited to be hosting our second Mental Elf, which is our biggest fundraising event of the year. We're delighted to have Sally Gunnell supporting our run this year and highlighting how people can boost their mental health through physical exercise in our inclusive 5k.

"This continues to be a challenging time for people's mental health locally and Mental Elf is a great opportunity for us to raise awareness about our support, come together with the communities we serve and raise valuable funds for adults and young people who need our help.”

Mental Elf will raise vital funds for West Sussex Mind, which relies on fundraising and donations for much of its work and receives no funding from national Mind. West Sussex Mind has seen a significant increase in demand for its services following the Covid pandemic and this has continued with many local people experiencing stress and worry about the cost of living.

People can sign up to Mental Elf at westsussexmind.enthuse.com/cf/mental-elf-2023 and use the Enthuse sign-up platform to raise funds among family and friends. Every ticket sale and donation will enable West Sussex Mind to support local adults and young people with their mental health.

The run will follow the Worthing parkrun route, with registration opening at 9am at Beach House Gardens and Sally Gunnell, a champion for corporate and family health and well-being, starting everyone off.