A festive charity run aimed at strengthening mental health support in Essex will take place next winter, with rail operator c2c confirmed as headline sponsor. Basildon Mind’s inaugural Mental Elf Fun Run is scheduled for Sunday 7 December 2025, kicking off at midday in Northlands Park on Felmores Road, Basildon. The 5km event will welcome families, runners and walkers for a Christmas-themed day designed to boost awareness and raise funds for local mental health services.

The sponsorship marks another step in c2c’s community-focused work, with the operator continuing to champion wellbeing initiatives along its route. Organisers are encouraging residents to sign up in advance, dress in festive outfits if they choose, or simply come along to cheer on runners. Money raised will support Basildon Mind’s free and confidential services for people experiencing mental health difficulties.

c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said:

"At c2c, we are a community railway, which is why events like these are so important to us. c2c is dedicated to the mental and physical wellbeing of people in its local communities and I am delighted that we have been able to come aboard as the headline sponsor. Let me be the first to say a huge ‘good luck’ to everybody taking part!”

Basildon Mind CEO Denise Kent praised the backing and its role in strengthening local support:

"We are delighted to welcome c2c as a sponsor of this year’s Mental Elf Fun Run. Their support is truly invaluable, helping us to raise awareness of mental health in our community and provide essential services to those who need it most. Partnerships like this allow us to bring people together in a fun, active way, while reminding everyone that looking after our minds is just as important as looking after our bodies. On behalf of Basildon Mind, I would like to thank c2c for their commitment and generosity, and we look forward to seeing everyone at the event.”

The run follows previous collaboration between the charity and the operator, including c2c’s Kick4Kindness charity football tournament at Southend United’s Roots Hall Stadium in May, which raised more than £7,000 for local mental health causes. Organisers say the December event will build on that success while giving the community a festive opportunity to come together for a valuable cause.

Image: c2c