Stagenoe charity Sue Ryder, situated near Hitchin, has hailed people who walked, jogged or ran 5k every day in December to help raise an impressive £100,000.

The palliative, neurological and bereavement support charity based near our town, took the time to praise the efforts of so many in helping to fundraise the staggering seven figure sum.

December Daily Dash founders Jackie and Mark Smith said: "A huge well done and thank you to everyone who pulled on their trainers and braved the unpredictable winter weather every day in December.

"After another challenging year in the wake of the pandemic, it was a great reminder of all that is good about the challenge – creating a daily habit to get moving, seeing friends, having fun and making memories.

"We have loved seeing all of the pictures and videos on social media and hearing about how people have enjoyed the sense of achievement that those 31 days of running and walking brings. Thank you for all your support and we hope to see everyone back at the end of 2022."

The December Daily Dash challenge was started in 2015 by husband and wife Jackie and Mark Smith, after Jackie's dad, Mike, received care from a Sue Ryder hospice. In the first year 13 people signed up to take part, raising £5,000.

Since then the festive fundraiser has continued to grow in popularity and over 800 people in the UK and across the world took part in 2021, raising more than £100,000 to support the charity's vital palliative, neurological and bereavement support services.

Nicky Philiips, Head of Clinical Services at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe took part in the December Daily Dash for the centre.

She said: "I am so pleased to have completed the December Daily Dash, it was a real commitment and I am very proud of my achievement.

"It was fantastic experience and I would definitely encourage others to get involved next year."

Sue Ryder supports people who are living with a terminal illness, a neurological condition or who have lost someone - taking the time to be there when it matters for those concerned.

Caroline Graham, Director of Fundraising at Sue Ryder added: "We know that December can be an incredibly difficult month for many, and taking part in the December Daily Dash provides a great way for people to take some time out, to think and reflect whilst raising money for families needing our care.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to each and every person who completed the December Daily Dash 2021 in support of Sue Ryder.

"For every step you took and pound you've raised you're helping us continue to be there when it matters most."

Sue Ryder organises a wide range of national and regional events throughout the year to raise crucial funds and provide more care for more people.

To see the full event calendar and find your next challenge, visit: sueryder.org/events