Fun-loving runner ready to go the extra mile for Caring Together Charity

King’s Lynn runner takes on 45 festive runs for local carers

A King’s Lynn runner is preparing to bring some Christmas cheer to the streets of West Norfolk as he takes on 45 five-kilometre runs in December, each wearing a different fancy dress costume, to raise money for Caring Together Charity.
Matty Parker, a member of Ryston Runners, has come up with the ambitious challenge, which he has named Caring Together December Dashes, to support unpaid carers across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
And while running 225 kilometres in a month would be quite a challenge for most people, Matty is no stranger to putting in the miles.
He has already completed a 5km run every day throughout 2026, covering around 1,300 miles so far this year.
“I started doing this type of thing a couple of years ago, but I wanted to make it bigger and I’ve just gone crazy this year!” he said.
“I’d set myself that challenge, so I’ve already run about 1,300 miles this year and I’m knackered!”
Matty’s wife Kathryn is assistant manager at Caring Together Charity’s new shop in King’s Lynn High Street, giving the fundraising effort a particularly close connection to the town.
The charity provides advice, information and practical and emotional support to people who look after relatives, partners or friends with long-term illnesses or disabilities.
Matty hopes his colourful appearances throughout December will not only raise money but also draw attention to the charity’s work.
“But I know when I’m out running in my fancy dress, it puts a smile on people’s faces,” he said.
“So as well as raising funds for Caring Together, I hope I can help raise awareness of the great work they do supporting unpaid carers when people see me doing my December Dashes!”

Friends and fellow runners invited to join in

Matty is hoping friends from local running clubs will accompany him on some of his outings, while staff at Caring Together’s offices in Swaffham and St Ives may also find themselves joining him for a jog.
One of the biggest tests will come at Zig Zag Running’s Bauble Bimble event at Ferry Meadows in Peterborough.
There, Matty plans to complete five laps of the 5km course, changing into a different fancy dress outfit after each circuit.
His December challenge will finish on New Year’s Eve with the Marham Flyers’ 10km race at RAF Marham.
Caring Together Charity’s Senior Fundraising Manager, Laura Price, praised Matty for taking on such an unusual challenge.
“We are incredibly grateful to Matty for taking on such a fantastic and fun challenge in support of our charity.
“Taking on 45 5km runs in a month is an amazing achievement in itself, but doing it all while dressed in fancy dress makes the effort even more extraordinary!
“Matty’s dedication with his December Dashes will make a real difference for unpaid carers. We can’t thank him enough for going the extra mile!”
With 45 runs, a wardrobe full of costumes and plenty of miles ahead, Matty looks set to become a familiar sight around the area during December.
Anyone wishing to support his efforts can donate through his Caring Together December Dashes fundraising page on JustGiving.