London Southend Airport and SECE Mind to host Mental ‘Elf’ Run

October 26, 2021

The airport will once again open its doors to members of the public with a festive fundraiser to walk or run the length of its runway whilst raising vital funds for SECE Mind. An ambitious target of £5,000 has been set from entry fees and sponsorship which the airport will match fund for a potential target of £10,000 awarded to the charity.

The event will take place during the morning of Wednesday 8^th December, spaces are limited and applicants are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Caroline Grant, CEO, SECE Mind, “We are proud to partner with London Southend Airport and have already shared some fantastic initiatives to promote mental health to airport employees and the local community. The Mental ‘Elf’ Run is an amazing opportunity, not only to join together and help raise vital funds but to also participate on the runway itself!

SECE Mind supports residents across Essex and the fundraising target would make a huge difference to so many, from dedicated local projects such as Nelsons Gate to counselling sessions and awareness.”

SECE Mind serve residents across Chelmsford, Castle Point, Rochford, South Woodham Ferrers and Southend areas, helping to support local people with their mental health and wellbeing needs. The total area covered by the charity creates a circumference of nearly 90km and participants of the Mental ‘Elf’ Run can walk or run the length of the runway in an attempt to achieve a total distance equal or exceeding 90km (the runway is 3.6km on a return journey).

Glyn Jones, CEO London Southend Airport, “Our charity partnership with SECE Mind has offered valuable opportunities to raise awareness of mental health. Anyone can be affected, and the partnership has already delivered some fantastic campaigns for both airport employees and the community. The Mental ‘Elf’ Run will bring these groups together to achieve a shared goal of 86.9km and fundraising target of £5,000 which the airport has committed to match fund.

The airport is using the winter months to prepare for a busy 2022 and whilst we have reduced schedules, we have identified a window of opportunity where the runway can be opened for this special event. We look forward to welcoming members of the community to the runway for this great cause”.

The logistics of utilising the runway for the event are tricky, however a small window has been identified between cargo flights, Jet Centre movements, aircraft maintenance and GA traffic and the airport team are working hard behind the scenes to prepare for the festive fundraiser.