Now in its third year, St Michael’s Hospice’s most popular challenge event began with a festival experience as participants danced and partied to music and entertainment provided by DJ Roddy Hankins. Fitness instructor Lisa Fraser led the crowd through a high energy warm-up routine to put people in the mood for a spectacular summer event.
Runners, walkers, wheelchair users and even families with pushchairs partied their way along the course as they were covered with bursts of coloured powder paint thrown by cheerful volunteers.
The Paint Runner hopes to raise over £35,000 for St Michael’s to help the Hospice to continue to care for patients and their families free of charge.
Paddy Nugent, Community Fundraising Manager at St Michael’s Hospice, said, ‘Thanks to all our supporters who took part and those who raised sponsorship, we can continue to provide care and support for patients and families affected by terminal illness.’
Katherine Williams from Ross-on-Wye said, ‘It was an amazing experience being part of the event, especially as there so many families and children involved.’ Katherine, who is taking part in eight events this year for St Michael’s, has already raised almost £3,000 in memory of her mum Elisabeth, who died at the Hospice is 2015. ‘I ran The Paint Runner with my 7-year old daughter Ella, and it was was a fun way of remembering my mum’s love of life as well as a colourful way of saying thank you to all the nurses who did so much for my family.’
Matthew Ashcroft, Events Manager at St Michael’s Hospice, said, ‘The Paint Runner is all about celebrating healthiness, happiness, individuality and giving back to the community. It’s about having fun with friends and family. We would like to thank everyone who helped make the event possible, especially our event sponsors Fastershire and the 100 marshalls who helped make the day safe and fun.’
Over 400 photos from the event can be seen on the St Michael’s Hospice Facebook page. For those wanting even more colourful fun, St Michael’s Hospice have organised Paint Runner Wales at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, Powys on 2nd July. For details, visit www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk.
Anyone wanting to join in the fun at next year’s event can be placed on the priority entry list by emailing events@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk
