Colour Dash charity event is back to enjoy at home

St Barnabas Hospice has announced that their hugely popular Colour Dash event will go ahead this summer, without the need for a mass gathering.

The St Barnabas Colour Dash is in its sixth year and would have seen thousands of people coming together at the Lincolnshire Showground in May to complete a 5k fun run through powdered paint. Sadly, the event was cancelled this year when the coronavirus outbreak began.

Over 14,000 people have taken part in the Colour Dash over the past six years and it has raised in excess of £750,000 for the Hospice. This year’s cancelled event leaves a big fundraising gap for the Hospice to try and fill.

Fundraising staff at the Hospice have worked hard to make plans for an adapted version of their headline event to go ahead this year, whilst observing social distancing regulations. They are delighted to announce the launch of Colour Dash at Home!

Supporters of the hospice can pick any day in July or August, dress in their brightest colours and take part in their own local 5k fun run for the Hospice. After the run, they can turn their garden into a private paint party and celebrate with pouches of coloured paint powder and medals being posted out by the Hospice.

Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas Hospice said, “So many of our supporters look forward to the Colour Dash each year that we just didn’t want to disappoint them. Colour Dash at Home is a safe and fun way for families to complete their fun run and raise money for the Hospice.

“I am really looking forward to seeing how creative everyone gets with their outfits and party decorations! Why not bring out the face paints, turn the music up and have a brightly coloured picnic when you finish the run?”

Tickets are just £10 per family of five that registers for the Colour Dash at Home. Included in this price are free medals for any children who have signed up and five packets of coloured paint powder. Families can also order additional paint powder at the point of sign-up for an extra £5 per five packets.

St Barnabas are asking families taking on the Colour Dash at Home to try and raise £50 in sponsorship money. This money would fund three bereavement support sessions to help someone who is struggling to cope with their grief.

Last year alone, 6,363 hours of bereavement support were provided free of charge to around 600 patients, their families and carers by St Barnabas Hospice.

John Marshall, local radio presenter and St Barnabas supporter said, “You may know that I experienced the care St Barnabas Hospice offers first-hand when my partner Angela received end-of-life care throughout her diagnosis, to her last few days spend in the Inpatient Unit. I hope you never have to experience using the Hospice, but if you do, be assured that you are in safe hands. The care Angela, myself and our daughter, Eleanor received was second to none and to thank them I have decided to do something each year to support the Hospice. 

“Eleanor and I had great fun running the Colour Dash in 2019. It was amazing to see so many people running in memory and support of their loved ones, and raising a huge amount to offer more people, like Angela, compassionate care. This year, I wanted to run again, but due to the coronavirus it was cancelled. 

“However, I’m pleased to see the Fundraising team have launched a new ‘at home’ pack, to host your own Colour Dash paint party at home. Signing up is only £10 for the family and the Hospice are asking you to raise £50, which would offer someone like myself and Eleanor a free bereavement session when they need it most. 

“So come on, #GetMessy and join in the biggest ‘at home’ Colour Dash this summer!”

Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/homecolourdash to sign up.