A Stevenage mum is encouraging the people of Herts and Beds to get bright, bold and colourful for the children’s hospice which has helped her cope with her daughter’s cancer.
Beckie Ward says she can’t wait to run Keech Hospice Care’s new-look Colour Dash, which will be Luton’s biggest yet and include obstacles and a foam pit.
“I’m running the charity’s Colour Dash on July 16 at Luton Regional Recreation Ground because what better way to spend a Sunday than being covered in paint?” said the 36-year-old, who will be taking on the 5km challenge.
“Keech Hospice Care has done so much for me. My six-year-old daughter Lottie was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome when she was three years old and at first lived a happy and healthy life despite her illness.
“Last September, doctors spotted a mass on her kidney and my worst nightmare came true – Lottie was diagnosed with cancer.
“Everything collapsed when we found out she had a tumour. It was a massive shock.
“I had some difficult conversations with my eight-year-old son Leland, who thought Lottie was going to die. It was hard to tell him she wasn’t going to die when I didn’t know myself.
“Thanks to Keech Hospice Care, we get Lottie out to meet other ill children and she knows she’s not alone.
“Keech gives me a chance to talk at with other mums and be normal. Just knowing that the nurses’ professional advice is on hand when I need it is a huge help.”
There are 1,500 people expected to take part in this year’s Colour Dash, which will see participants start off in a pristine white T-shirt which will be look more like a rainbow by the end of it.
Mark Relf, Keech’s events fundraising manager at Keech Hospice Care, said: “This time we’re throwing in obstacles, a foam pit and even an after party! As a charity, we depend on 70 per cent of our funding to come from the community so please sign up today and show us your true colours.”
To register for the July 16 run visit www.keech.org.uk or call 01582 707940.
The £20 entry fee – £10 for children – includes sunglasses, a T-shirt, colour pouches, and a medal on completion. Registration is also open from 10am on the day and the event starts at 11am.
