CAFOD supporters in Rickmansworth enjoy their first Christmas Fun Run
Over 30 enthusiastic runners gathered at Our Lady Helper of Christians in Rickmansworth to take part in the very first ‘Chess Valley Christmas Fun Run’. Neil Roper from CAFOD’s Fundraising Events team went to meet the organisers and even joined the runners on the course.
The idea for the event came from Ana, one of CAFOD’s Royal Parks Half Marathon runners. Inspired by CAFOD’s longstanding fun runs in Liverpool and Bollington – Liverpool celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2024 – Ana suggested creating a new festive event in Rickmansworth.
Ana shares how she came up with the idea:
“This October, I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon for CAFOD and felt super happy to be supporting this wonderful charity. I thought it would be lovely to organise a parish Christmas run for CAFOD and with the support of a few lovely friends the event is going ahead.”
“It is also a brilliant way to celebrate Christmas as a community, spend time outdoors and raise funds to support people across the world.”
Ana and her friend Jane set about promoting the event, ending up on BBC Three Counties Radio on 22 December.
On Friday 27 December, the parish came together to run or walk either 3km or 5km. It was a lovely morning, and it was wonderful to join everyone on an amazing scenic route through parks and countryside, alongside rivers and back to the church.
When asked about the fundraising, Ana said: “We raised almost £500 plus nearly £60 in Gift Aid! I’m so happy, it was well worth organising.”
Ana continues:
“So many of the people who took part in the Christmas Fun Run spoke about how much they enjoyed it and encouraged us to make it an annual event. Some people even suggested we do it twice a year so that we don’t have to wait till next December. We are hoping to have an annual Lent Walk and a Christmas Fun Run.”
A big thank you to Ana for making this incredible event happen. We’d love to see Christmas Fun Runs popping up all over the country. If you think you could gather a small group to run or walk for CAFOD on 27 December (or another date that works for you) then please get in touch by emailing events@cafod.org.uk.