Sue Ryder Daily Dash Raises £67,000

The December Dash challenge raised a staggering £67,000 last month, Sue Ryder has just announced.

The 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. Sue Ryder would like to thank everyone who walked, jogged, ran or rolled 5k every day in December and helped reach the fundraising total.

Since then the festive fundraiser has continued to grow in popularity and 499 people in the UK and across the world took part in 2022 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. 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 2023!”

Colleagues from Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire in Wallingford laced up their trainers and took part, including Sue Ryder Nurses and healthcare assistants, doctors, occupational therapists and staff from the fundraising team.

Sue Ryder Nurse Lindsey Pitkin (pictured above) said “It can be much harder to be physically active during the winter months and so committing to taking part in the December Daily Dash was a great motivator to get outside and get some fresh air every day.

“During the busy festive season, it was great to unite as one team for a shared purpose. I’m really proud of my Sue Ryder colleagues, who have literally gone the extra mile to raise vital funds for the families we support.”

Fern Haynes, Head of Community Fundraising – Thames Valley 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 2022 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