Luton’s biggest ever Colour Dash raises record amount

More than one thousand runners have to date raised £52,850, with more expected to come, by painting Wigmore Valley Park in Luton all the colours of the rainbow.

Luton’s biggest ever 5K Colour Dash took place yesterday and a record breaking amount of money was raised for Keech Hospice Care which supports end of life adults from Luton and Bedfordshire and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

Mark Relf, Regional and Events Fundraising Manager at Keech Hospice Care, said the support and money raised is amazing.

“What can I say, it was a sell-out and we smashed last year’s amount of £37,500,” Mark said. “We expect more money to come through so we could even hit £60,000 but we won’t know for sure until all of the sponsorship money has come in.

“The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone had a brilliant time. People are always surprised when they find out it costs £5.2 million pounds every year to ensure the survival of Keech Hospice Care. Some people don’t realise we are even a charity.”

First to cross the finish line was James Wallek, 9, from Harpenden.

“It was good fun,” said James. “One of my friend’s cousins was helped by Keech Hospice Care so he entered to support the hospice and I thought I would too. I had a brilliant time and there was lots of colour.”

“As a charity. Keech Hospice Care depends on 70 percent of its funding to come from its community.

“This weekend, once again, our community has done Keech Hospice Care proud,” said Mark Relf. “Thank you Colour Dashers for coming out, having fun and showing your true colours

“We are so grateful to all of our supporters without whom we would not be able to continue caring for very sick adults and children, and their families, at a time in their lives they need it most. We are proud to be able to care for patients not only at the hospice itself in Luton, but in their own home, school and hospital.”

For further information contact Lorna Milton, Senior PR Officer at Keech Hospice Care on 01582 497874/ 07824606856 or at lmilton@keech.org.uk.