20 members of the wellness club ‘Girls on the Go’ will be putting on their Santa costumes and taking part in The Festive Dash at Heaton Park to raise money for The Christie Charity on Sunday 24th November.
Originally a running club, Girls on the Go was founded in September 2023 in Liverpool by friends Stephanie Barney (22) from France, Martin Mach (25) from Birmingham, and Caitlin Lewing (21) from Nottingham. They wanted to create a safe and empowering space for women and girls to pursue their running journey.
They have since expanded to weekly events, as well as starting new locations in Manchester and Birmingham, with the aim of helping women make friends across the UK.
Girls on the Go is committed to combating loneliness but is also passionate about helping the wider community by participating in and organising various charitable initiatives.
They decided to take part in The Christie Charity’s Festive Dash as it is a charity very close to their hearts, after one of its co-founders, Caitlin lost a loved one this year to cancer as she explains: “We feel anyone suffering should receive the treatment and support they need, and fundraising is just one part of ensuring this. The Christie Charity was an obvious charity for our community to run for, especially as cancer affects so many people, the more people that can fundraise and raise awareness, the better. We love running for charities and what better way to raise money and awareness than running in a Santa costume.”
Megan Bradley, event manager for Girls on the Go Manchester, said: “The Christie has played a vital role in mine and my family’s lives over the last few months in taking care of my mum, who is now a breast cancer survivor. Not only has it provided her with the treatments she has needed – both chemo and radiotherapy – but the staff have also ensured that she has felt safe and well cared for in her most vulnerable moments. This support has also been extended to myself, and other members of our family, both during and after her treatment.”
The Festive Dash is a 5K walk, jog or run around Manchester’s Heaton Park. It is an event for the whole family, and participants are encouraged to wear festive-themed fancy dress.
Josh Hughff, mass participation officer at The Christie Charity said: “We are incredibly thankful to Girls on the Go for their dedication in helping to raise vital funds for The Christie Charity. Their involvement in our Festive Dash embodies the spirit of community and generosity that makes events like this so special. The money they raise will go a long way in helping us continue to provide life-saving treatments and support to cancer patients.”
By joining Team Christie, each participant will get: a free Christie t-shirt, a Santa outfit, free elf hats for children, mince pies and a festive dash finisher’s medal.
The Festive Dash starts at 10:30am on Sunday 24th November. Entertainment and refreshments will be available from the event site between 9.30am and 12pm.
The MC for the event will be Alec Feldman and there will be a winter warm-up conducted by Pure Gym.
Plus, there will be two reindeers with their elf handlers; a brass band; a steel band; Santa’s grotto with gifts for the children; a giant snow globe and snow machines; face-painting; and cheerleaders!
