Wind and rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those taking part in a charity event last month – if anything, it just made a messy day that little bit messier.
The Colour Run, organised by children’s bereavement charity Harry’s Rainbow in June saw the event’s highest attendance and a new record amount raised. In total 450 tickets were sold for the event that sees children and adults tackle a one-mile run around the Wolverton Recreation Ground in Milton Keynes, all the time being sprayed with rainbow colours.
And, despite the conditions, more than £11,500 was raised on the day, with £6,000 of that coming from participants’ sponsorship. All children who raised more than £100 received a special certificate and a Harry the Hound (the charity’s mascot) toy.
Odette Mould, who founded Harry’s Rainbow after the death of her son in 2009, said: “It was a shame about the weather but fantastic that we had a record turn-out and a record total. It really was inspiring to see youngsters taking part in something to raise funds to help other children. Some of them have been helped by the charity but others just took part for a good cause and that’s amazingly caring of them.”
Harry’s Rainbow provide support groups, trips, events, holidays and mental health support to children who have lost a parent or sibling. Already this year, the Milton Keynes based charity, has registered 98 new children who are in need of its services.
Events like the Colour Run raise vital funds to ensure the charity can continue to help as many children as possible. Support from the likes of Brioche Pasquier and other local businesses means that as much of the money the charity receives from fundraising goes directly to where it is needed most.
Odette said: “The number of children we have registered already, in the first six months of this year, shows that demand is on the increase.Fundraising events like the Colour Run allow us to do more, and support from the likes of Brioche Pasquier, which covered the cost of the medals and the race numbers, is invaluable, as is the support of all the volunteers who help make events like this happen, and the stallholders and food suppliers who attend and then donate some of their takings.
“If any other businesses want to get involved in any way, we would be delighted to discuss our upcoming events and what they can do to support us.”
Find out more about Harry’s Rainbow.
