The morning of Saturday 20 September 2025 saw Barony Park in Nantwich buzzing with community spirit once again, as the latest edition of the Dabbers Dash brought together runners, walkers, and mobility aid users of varying ages.

Despite the cloudy skies and light drizzle, more than 30 participants laced up their trainers to take part.

This month's Dash had an extra layer of meaning, as it was dedicated to raising awareness of the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group, a much-loved local charity that has been funding life-saving cancer research for over three decades.

Supporters turned out in force wearing blue, a show of solidarity with the group's mission, and the event drew a very special guest: Nantwich Town Council Mayor Mary Slinn, accompanied by her mascot "Teddy Mayor."

With smiles all round, the Mayor proudly set the Dashers off with the traditional "Ready, Steady, Go" - a moment that brought cheers and laughter despite some light rain.

Over 30 participants laced up their trainers to take part in the latest Dabbers Dash, dedicated to raising awareness of the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group (Jonathan White).

The spotlight on this month's Dash shone brightly on the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group.

Founded in 1993 by Sarah Darlington, the group was born out of a deeply personal experience.

Sarah's father, Tom, had received treatment at The Christie, and the family wanted to give something back.

What began as a handful of friends determined to help has grown into an incredible fundraising powerhouse that has now raised over £585,000 for research projects at The Christie.

Over the years, their efforts have helped to support major initiatives such as the Manchester Cancer Research Centre and medical studies into Proton Beam Therapy - both of which are advancing the fight against cancer in ways that were once unimaginable.

Speaking at the Dash, Sarah reflected on the group's beginnings and their ongoing mission. She shared details of upcoming community events such as the Treasure Hunt on 28 September and the Christie Christmas Collection on 22 November, both of which promise to raise further funds and awareness for the cause.

Sarah also highlighted a ground-breaking research initiative the group is currently helping to fund - one that has the potential to transform cancer treatment across the UK.

At the heart of the Support Group's current fundraising is the Experimental Cancer Medicine Team (ECMT) at The Christie. This pioneering team is developing a single blood test capable of identifying the genetic mutations in a tumour or cancer.

Nantwich Town Council Mayor, Mary Slinn, accompanied by her mascot 'Teddy Mayor' (Jonathan White).

Once identified, patients can then be matched to one of the many clinical trials currently underway in collaboration with global pharmaceutical companies.

What makes this work so critical is that many of the patients who could benefit are those who have already exhausted all standard treatment options, such as chemotherapy. For them, this test could represent not just hope, but a genuine lifeline.

Currently, this blood test is not funded by the NHS, a fact which makes the role of charitable fundraising vital.

By supporting this research, the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group is helping to prove the worth of the test in practice. If successful, the goal is to persuade the NHS to roll out this innovation nationwide, making it available to patients everywhere.

It's a powerful reminder of how grassroots fundraising in towns like Nantwich can ripple outward, fuelling discoveries that may one day contributing to saving lives.

What makes the Nantwich Christie Hospital Support Group stand out isn't just the cause they champion, but the way they do it. From black-tie dinners and quiz nights to bingo, fashion shows, and gin-and-wine tasting evenings, the group blends creativity with community connection.

"We're just a group of friends who wanted to do something positive," Sarah explained. "Over the years, it's been amazing to see how people rally around. It proves that when a community comes together, you can achieve extraordinary things."

Since its launch in 2022, the Dash has become a firm favourite in Nantwich, offering people of all abilities a chance to come together for fun, fitness, and fresh air in the green heart of Barony Park.

Participants can run, walk, or wheel at their own pace, completing laps of the park and being cheered on every step of the way. There is no stopwatch, no pressure, and no barriers—just encouragement, smiles, and the uplifting feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself.

This month's drizzle did nothing to dampen spirits. Children, parents, seasoned runners, and first-timers all set off under the watchful eye of Teddy Mayor, who brought a touch of charm and humour to proceedings.

Laughter echoed around the park as people encouraged one another, with many choosing to complete the route side by side. And, as ever, the Dash's wider purpose was clear: to highlight a cause close to the community's heart.

The Dabbers Dash takes place at 9am on one Saturday each month at Barony Park, starting near the Cornthwaite Group John Deere dealership and finishing on Sandford Road.

The event not only promotes health and wellbeing but also plays a role in advocating for a safer and more accessible Barony Park, including calls for a new perimeter path for running, walking, wheeling, and cycling.

READ MORE: Developer seeking local residents' views on plans to build around 190 homes.

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Nantwich Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Nantwich Nub News on Facebook.