Over 420 runners joined the start line of the technicolour event with the current fundraising total standing at £21,500 and going up all the time.
All the money raised will be used to provide care and support for local people with a life-limiting illness. Many of the runners taking part had strong links to the hospice which motivated them to not only take part but also seek sponsorship from friends and family.
Jenna Ward, from Elstree, took part in the Colour Fun Run in memory of her mum, Ellie, who was cared for by Peace Hospice Care. While waiting for the race to start, she explained:
“I’m here today with my dad, Dave, and sister, Kayleigh, to raise money to thank Peace Hospice Care for the wonderful care they gave my mum before she died at the hospice in May 2013. Every year I try to take part in a fundraising event around the time of the anniversary of her death. So far we’ve raised almost £300 in sponsorship. This year is the 10th anniversary so as well as the Colour Fun Run I’m planning to do another fundraiser later in the year.
“We chose the Colour Fun Run to take part in together because it’s something fun and a bit different! We live locally so we were able to walk here which was basically our warm up! I’ve taken part in the Colour Fun Run before and it’s always a really fun, relaxed family environment. So I’m looking forward to completing it in the sunshine today!”
On the day, runners lined up just before 11.30am in anticipation of the starting signal. Instead of the traditional starter pistol, Peace Hospice Care patron, Luther Blissett, signalled the beginning of the race with a countdown from 10, followed by a shower of coloured powder, seeing the runners off to a bright start.
At each kilometre mark, enthusiastic volunteers were on hand to throw more coloured powder, leaving the runners’ previously white event t-shirts looking more colourful than they started!
The first runners completed the course in around 25 minutes before collecting their finisher medals and going on to enjoy the rest of the entertainment at the event. The events village, featuring music, food stalls, inflatables and games was available throughout the day to make it a memorable day out for the whole family.
Lauren Berman from Chorleywood took part with her four-year-old son, Leo, and friend, Melanie Kyriakos. After the race she said:
“Today has been so much fun! Leo, Melanie and I ran in memory of our dear friend, Sarah, who was cared for by the Peace Hospice in Watford for the last few weeks of her life. She passed away peacefully there in May of this year. It was incredible to run an event with so much colour as she was such a bright person. Mel and I raised a total of £753 in sponsorship between us which we’re really proud of.”
Peter Rasmussen, Events Manager at Peace Hospice Care, says:
“It was great to see so many people supporting this year’s Colour Fun Run and having a great day out. From tiny tots to family groups and workmates getting together for team building, there was a real mix of runners and a fantastic atmosphere on the day.
“As well as raising money through ticket sales, a huge number of the runners raised sponsorship too which helped us to reach the fantastic total of £21,500 so far. All the money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of local people who are living with a progressive life-limiting illness so I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the runners who took part and helped us to achieve this total.”
To find out more about upcoming fundraising events, visit our what’s on page here.