Lancashire Mind’s Mental Elf returns to Leyland with £21,000 fundraising challenge

Families, runners and festive fundraisers are being invited to Worden Park in Leyland this November for a Christmas-themed event supporting mental health across Lancashire.

Lancashire Mind’s popular Mental Elf Festive Fun Run returns to Worden Park in Leyland on Saturday 28 November 2026, bringing together hundreds of people for a day of festive activities, fundraising and community spirit.

The annual event encourages people of all ages and abilities to get active, dress up in their favourite Christmas outfits and raise money to support better mental health across the county.

This year’s event will feature three challenges, including the Mini Elf 2k, Mental Elf 5k and Challenge YoursElf, giving participants different ways to get involved regardless of their fitness levels.

There will also be a Best Dressed Dog Parade at midday, giving four-legged festive fundraisers the opportunity to join in the celebrations.

The charity is hoping to build on the success of last year’s event, which raised an impressive £21,000, with organisers aiming to exceed that figure in 2026.

Money raised will help Lancashire Mind continue delivering mental health support, wellbeing services, training and early intervention programmes to individuals and communities throughout Lancashire.

Participants are encouraged to embrace the Christmas spirit, with Santa suits, elf costumes, festive jumpers and other colourful outfits all helping to create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.

The event is open to individuals, families, schools, community organisations and workplace teams, with the emphasis on participation rather than competition.

Those unable to attend the Leyland event can still support Mental Elf by organising their own festive fundraising activities within their communities, schools, workplaces or neighbourhoods.

Lancashire Mind says the initiative is about much more than raising money, with the event designed to encourage physical activity, bring people together and promote positive mental wellbeing.

The charity also hopes the occasion will encourage important conversations about mental health and help reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.

Mental Elf has become an important annual fixture in Lancashire Mind’s fundraising calendar, combining festive celebrations with an opportunity for communities to make a positive difference.

By encouraging people to walk, jog or run together, the charity hopes to demonstrate how physical activity and social connections can contribute towards better mental wellbeing.

Businesses and community groups are also being encouraged to take part, whether through organised teams, individual fundraising efforts or their own local challenges.

With Christmas approaching, Lancashire Mind is inviting residents from across the county to pull on their festive outfits, gather their friends and family, and support a cause that affects communities throughout Lancashire.

For further information about the Mental Elf Festive Fun Run, including registration details and how to take part, visit Lancashire Mind’s Mental Elf website.