18 Sep 2016 Community

Community shines bright at Hospice’s Colour Rush

The sun shined on Sunday as the people of Kirklees descended on Oakwell Hall Country Park for Kirkwood Hospice's 2016 Colour Rush! 

1,000 people turned up to paint the countryside all the colours of the rainbow on Sunday morning. 

On a beautiful day in Kirklees, runners of all ages turned the clear blue sky into a haze of brilliant hues as they took on a 5k route around Oakwell Hall Country Park. 

It's the second time Oakwell Hall has hosted the Colour Rush event, which helps to raise much needed funds for Kirkwood Hospice. 

A diverse range of people from all over the area covered themselves in colour. Mums and dads pushed their little ones round the course while others made it round in record time. 

Colour stations along the route, manned by event sponsors, showered the runners in a rainbow of colours. Everyone started out in white, but crossed the finishing line looking more like a work of abstract art.

Sandra Whiteley, from Berry Brow, ran as part of a team of friends and family dubbed 'The Flaming Marshmallows'.

Sandra said: "It's a nice fun way to get fit and raise money for a good cause. We've done a few of these events and we really enjoy them."

Rezina Kelly, of Fenay Bridge, joined her family in getting covered in colour for Kirkwood. 

Rezina said: "I'm here with my children, Callum and Amber, my sister Nina and her husband and kids as well as friends. My mum, Pam, joined us too. 

"It's great to have three generations all doing this event together for a great cause."

Demand for the Kirkwood's services increases each year, with the Hospice caring for around 1,400 people with complex life-limiting illnesses last year alone. 

Fun events like the Colour Rush are vital to raise funds to ensure the Hospice can continue delivering care for those in need. 

But the Colour Rush is also about bringing the community together for a fun day 'out! 

Kathryn Breslin, 16, of Beaumont Park, took part with friends and family. She said: "We're here to get covered in paint!"

Event organiser Emily Kennedy was delighted to see so many people coming out to enjoy the day. 

She said: "It's been amazing to see people from all different parts of our community coming together to celebrate the work of the Hospice in the most colourful way possible. 

"We've had around 1,000 people taking part today. Thanks to their generosity, we hope to raise around £35,000 for patient care. A huge thanks goes to all those who continue to support the Hospice!" 

The Colour Rush was a community event in all aspects, with many local businesses and organisations sponsoring or offering their support. 

Kirkwood Hospice are indebted to principal sponsors Schofield Sweeney and Kirklees Council for helping to make sure the 2016 event could take place. Thanks are also due to paint station sponsors; Paisley Properties, Care Fundraising Solutions, Asparagus Green Catering, Caremark and Distinct Disposables. 

The Hospice also want to thank Shepley Spring, Rapid Hire Centre Ltd. Honley, Arrow Self-Drive of Linthwaite, West Yorkshire 4x4 Volunteers, Lucy Penrose, Lucy Crowhurst, Amanda and the team at Oakwell Hall and Kirkwood Hospice's amazing Volunteers.