Runners tackle colourful charity course

HUNDREDS of local people brought a kaleidoscope of colour to a special fundraising event for St Ann’s Hospice.

The 5km ObstaColour Run, which took place in Woodbank Park, Offerton, saw participants showered with multicoloured powder – a safe environmentally-friendly corn starch – as they walked, ran or jogged the route.

They also took on a series of inflatable obstacles throughout the untimed race.

Runners were encouraged to write the name of someone who means something to them on a special ribbon and wear it round their wrist on the day.

These were then hung on a Tree of Dedication at the end of the run, just after participants had crossed the finish line.

Eamonn O’Neal, chief executive of St Ann’s Hospice, said: “I hope everyone who took part in the event had an amazing time.

“It was so great to see people of all ages joining in, some in aid of loved ones, others just to have a fun and messy afternoon.

“We’re hugely grateful to every single person who joined us to raise money for our patients.

“It’s a huge undertaking for us to raise the £20,000 we need to fundraise every single day to keep our services going and the people of Greater Manchester never cease to amaze us with their unending support.

“They really do care about raising money to make the lives of the patients we care for better and we can’t thank them enough for everything they do.”

St Ann’s Hospice, which operates from three sites in Little Hulton, Heald Green and the Neil Cliffe Centre in Wythenshawe Hospital, cares for thousands of patients every year with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses – managing their symptoms, providing support, caring for people at the hospice or at home and providing end of life care.

They also provide a range of community and outreach services. »»To return your ObstaColour Run sponsorship, or for more information on other St Ann’s Hospice events, please visit www.sah.org. uk or call 0161 498 3631.