WARRINGTON’S first ever “colour run” helped raise at least £20,000 for St Rocco’s Hospice.
The event attracted an estimated 700 runners at Walton Hall and Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday, as hundreds of people were splattered with powdered paint in the name of charity.
Organised by St. Rocco’s and sponsored by Livewire, the event was a huge success for the Hospice and despite the rain, there was laughter aplenty as families from across the town walked and jogged the 3km route, starting in white and finishing bright.
Many participants took part for personal reasons and for Vera Martins, a patient at St. Rocco’s, the event allowed her to complete a lifelong ambition to take part in an organised run.
Vera, who lives in Lymm and was pushed around the course by her brother Gabriel Martins, has raised over £5,000 in sponsorship and family flew in from around the world to watch her complete the course.
She said: “For me, taking part in the Colour Run means I am taking control. The cancer might have control of my body, but this is me taking some of it back.”
The event attracted runners of all ages, including hospice Chairman Norman Banner, who raised over £500 in pledges.
Lauren Tilston, Events Fundraising Manager at St. Rocco’s, added: “Walton Hall and Gardens was an incredible setting for our first ever Colour Run, and the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of everyone involved. We are delighted the event received such fantastic support and on behalf of everyone at St. Rocco’s I’d like to say a huge thank you to the participants, volunteers, and sponsors. You’re all amazing!”
Any one who would like to sponsor Vera or find out more about her journey, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Vera-marathon-bucketlist-challenge/
Some of the participants at the colour run
