A ‘Claus’ for celebration
Record-breaking Jingle Bell Jog raises over £19,700 for local hospice care
More than 600 people have helped to raise a snow-stopping, record-breaking £19,741 for Blythe House Hospice after taking part in the Jingle Bell Jog.
The eighth annual event, proudly sponsored by iBottles of Chinley, took place at the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton on Sunday 7th December and was a record-breaker for both its fundraising total and participant numbers.
The cold temperature and rain certainly didn’t stop play as 110 children took on the 700m Fun Run, before more than 495 Santas crossed the 5k finish line.
All the money raised will go towards supporting hospice care across North Derbyshire including the Blythe House’s Hospice at Home and Roaming Car services which provide nursing care and support to patients who wish to remain at home at the end of their lives.
Blythe House also provides other vital services to local patients and families including occupational therapy and physiotherapy, adults and children’s counselling, complementary therapies, one to one and group nursing support.
Santa support
Lizzie Hicks was taking part alongside friends and said: ‘I am here to raise funds and awareness of the vital charity that Blythe House is for people who need help at the end of their life, in memory of my Mum, Jane who died 11 years ago.’
Edward Martin, a solicitor at Lovedays Solicitors in Matlock, said: ‘I am here today alongside my family and several colleagues from the firm; we’ve raised around £1,200 for Blythe House. I am running in memory of my Mum, Rachel who died this year and she accessed a lot of support from the hospice which we’re incredibly grateful for.’
Nic Callaghan was taking part for the fifth year and said: ‘I’ve taken part because I just love Blythe House! It’s a local charity; I live in Chapel. My Grandad and my Gran benefitted from hospice care elsewhere so for me it’s just my local hospice and I want to do everything I can to support it.’
Dana Hilton added: ‘It’s the first time I’ve taken part and I’ve ran the furthest I’ve ever ran without stopping. I was running in memory of my Dad, Philip who died in September. My boyfriend saw a sign for the event and thought it would be great to get involved as we know the hospice supports so many people.’
Rachael Gee, Fundraising and Events Co-ordinator at Blythe House Hospice, organises the event. She said:
‘The Jingle Bell Jog really does signify the start of Christmas for many people, and it was such a wonderful, festive morning from start to finish. Seeing so many people come together – our fantastic participants, their friends and families cheering them on, our generous event sponsors and those who kindly donated gifts in kind, along with our incredible volunteers – made the event truly special. We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make it such a tremendous success.’
Next year’s Jingle Bell Jog is set to take place on Sunday 6th December 2026. Super early bird registration is open now until Sunday 21st December 2025.
Photos by Iain Klieve
Our thanks go to the following local businesses, groups and individuals for supporting the Jingle Bell Jog:
- Headline sponsor: IBottles
- Medal sponsor: LHoist
- Venue: Pavilion Gardens
- Runner bibs: up and running
- Water: Buxton Water
- Event compère: High Peak 1
- Entertainment: Castleton Silver Band
- Warm up: Clubbercise & Zumba with Accidental Fitness Buxton
- Photography: Iain Klieve
- Andrea & Dave – The Bubble People
