National healthcare charity Sue Ryder is thanking people across West Yorkshire who walked, jogged or ran 5k every day in December and helped reach a fundraising total of more than £100,000.
The December Daily Dash challenge was started in 2015 by husband and wife Jackie and Mark Smith, after Jackie’s dad, Mike, received care from a Sue Ryder hospice. In the first year 13 people signed up to take part, raising £5,000.
Since then the festive fundraiser has continued to grow in popularity and over 800 people in the UK and across the world took part in 2021, raising more than £100,000 to support the charity’s vital palliative, neurological and bereavement support services.
Dash founders Jackie and Mark said: “A huge well done and thank you to everyone who pulled on their trainers and braved the unpredictable winter weather every day in December. After another challenging year in the wake of the pandemic, it was a great reminder of all that is good about the challenge – creating a daily habit to get moving, seeing friends, having fun and making memories.
“We have loved seeing all of the pictures and videos on social media and hearing about how people have enjoyed the sense of achievement that those 31 days of running and walking brings. Thank you for all your support and we hope to see everyone back at the end of 2022!”
Locally, one of the people who took part in the December Daily Dash to support Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice near Keighley was Karen Lynch from Haworth. Karen, who is an active member of the hospice’s Haworth fundraising group, said: “’I took part in the December Daily Dash not just to help an amazing charity, one so close to so many people’s hearts I know, but to challenge myself and help my mental state with daily exercise. I absolutely loved it and look forward to taking part next year and raising lots of money for Sue Ryder.”
Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder, said: “We know that December can be an incredibly difficult month for many, and taking part in the December Daily Dash provides a great way for people to take some time out, to think and reflect whilst raising money for families needing our care.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every person who completed the December Daily Dash 2021 in support of Sue Ryder. For every step you took and pound you’ve raised you’re helping us continue to be there when it matters most.”
Sue Ryder organises a wide range of national and regional events throughout the year to raise crucial funds and provide more care for more people. To see the full event calendar and find your next challenge, visit: sueryder.org/events
