FUNDS raised through a festive fun run will go towards a new group for people affected by depression and anxiety, it has been confirmed.

Mold Santa Dash saw between 150 and 250 people take on a 1.4 mile route around the town on Sunday morning, dressed as the titular festive figure.

The event raised money for the mayor of Mold’s fundraising appeal ‘Save a Life, Make a Difference’ – the main beneficiary of which is The Counselling Hub in Mold.

Cllr Karen Hodkinson, mayor of Mold, has now said: “I’m delighted to announce that proceeds from this year’s Santa dash will be used to fund The HUB, a social group which is being launched on Friday, January 4, at the Daniel Owen Centre in Mold.”

The HUB is a weekly 5pm to 7pm drop-in social group run by The Counselling Hub for individuals or family members affected by depression, anxiety, self harm and suicide.

It will offer social inclusion and emotional support.

Speaking about the Santa dash itself, Cllr Hodgkinson added: “I’m so proud of everyone and the effort that they have put in. It was a fantastic turn out once again.

“The weather wasn’t great. The heavy downpour just after we had started the race certainly didn’t deter anyone, in fact I think it made us all run a little bit faster.

“I loved taking part - [it was] exhausting and very wet, but great fun and it was an honour to run alongside Paula Ringeval and Nicola Johnson from the Counselling Hub.”

Paula Ringeval, founder of The Counselling Hub, said: “We are delighted to be working with Mold Town Council and the mayor on new initiatives for the town to help the people of Mold who may be struggling to cope, feeling lonely or are just need someone to talk to. We want to let them know they are not alone.

“It will be free to attend but a donation towards the refreshments would be appreciated.

“A qualified counsellor will be present to offer information and guidance to individuals and family members. One-to-one counselling can be accessed via this drop-in.”

For details about The Hub call 07715 524911.

Santa Dash results:

THE first runner home for the third year running was 16-year-old James Jones from Mynydd Isa who crossed the finish line in 8.26 minutes, beating his winning time of last year by one second.

The first female across the finish line in 10.30 minutes was Georgina Molloy who, now aged 12, ran in the senior female category for the first time after having won the under 12 female category for the last two years.

Making it a family winning streak, the first under 12 male over the line in 9.41 minutes was 11-year-old Thomas Molloy – Georgina’s younger brother who also won under 12 male in 2016.

The first under 12 female over the line was nine-year-old Nela Jones in 12.20 minutes.

All participants were presented with a Santa Dash trophy, medal and certificate.