Tarryn's Story: 25 Lancashire Minds

2020: The year Lancashire Mind Elves went to Lapland!

Back in December 2020, Tarryn, was living in lockdown alongside the rest of Lancashire and the UK. As a key worker and unable to see family, Tarryn was finding lockdown tough.

“I was finding the upside-down nature of lockdown really difficult. I needed some structure and some motivation to exercise whilst it was dark. I can’t remember how I came across the Mental Elf- Lancashire to Lapland virtual challenge. I think I had seen it online, or maybe a friend had mentioned it, I’m not sure!”

Tarryn signed up for the challenge and joined over 50 Lancashire Mind Elves who, in just 12 days, travelled the distance from Lancashire to Lapland- over 2,500km.

“I have been aware of Lancashire Mind for a number of years, before the virtual event. I had actually wanted to take part in Mental Elf prior to this but never quite got myself organised! As a key worker this was a welcome way of looking after myself and a chance to raise some money for charity.

I signed up to it because I was finding the upside down nature of lockdown really difficult. This gave me some structure and some motivation while it was dark too. I signed up for 60km and did this as walking and running.

I really enjoyed taking part virtually and making it my own. It was lovely to see people all over Lancashire being connected even when we all had to be so far apart. We had a Facebook group that we would all post in daily with photos and updates. The group was really supportive and I really enjoyed seeing everyone giving out words of encouragement.

Like most people, I found lockdowns really difficult and I lived in a different area of Lancashire to my family, which meant I was often not allowed to see them. Whilst being allowed to get out for exercise, I loved that the challenge gave me a reason to meet up with people and get out for a walk. I think getting out every day for 12 days was a real achievement when I was so inclined to hide away! Especially when the weather was terrible.”

The 2020 Lancashire Mind elves raised over £20,000 for Lancashire Mind at a time when fundraising income had reduced by over 30%. The elves’ efforts meant that Lancashire Mind could continue being there during one of the hardest times in many people’s lives.

In 2024 Tarryn joined Lancashire Mind at Worden Park for Mental Elf returning as a volunteer.

“Mental Elf 2024 was my first in person event and I LOVED it. I couldn’t believe how wonderful the atmosphere was and how many people turned out – from every single fitness level. It felt like such a big community turn out and I felt so proud of our local area and the Lancashire Mind team!”

I chose to volunteer because I regularly volunteer for parkrun events and I know how hard it can be to get the support you need. I feel really passionate about the work Lancashire Mind do and wanted to be a part of that in any way I could.

I was on quite a high after volunteering and came away desperate to do it again. All the volunteers were friendly, and happy to help, and I felt part of something much bigger than just that day. I am extremely passionate about the importance of mental health for everyone and knowing I was helping to support this made me feel great.”