Mum calling on you to support Colour Dash

A mum is encouraging people across the Three Counties to get bright, bold and colourful for an adult and children’s hospice which has helped her cope with her daughter’s cancer.

Beckie Ward, 36, from Stevenage 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.

Keech Hospice Care is the adult hospice for Luton and Bedfordshire and the children’s hospice of Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

“I’m running the charity’s Colour Dash on 16 July at Luton Regional Recreation Ground because what better way to spend a Sunday than being covered in paint?” said Rebecca, who will be taking on the 5km challenge.

“Keech Hospice Care has done so much for me. My daughter Lottie, 6, 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 son Leland, 8, 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 Hospice Care 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.”

Keech Hospice Care’s Colour Dash participants will start off in a pristine white t-shirt and by the end of the event they’ll look like they’ve walked through a rainbow.

Mark Relf, Events Fundraising Manager at Keech Hospice Care, said he’s excited that 1,500 people are expected to take part, making it Luton’s biggest ever Colour Dash.

“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,” said Mark.

To sign up:

Places are going fast so sign up to Keech Hospice Care’s Colour Dash at Luton Regional Recreation Ground in St Thomas’ Road, Luton on Sunday 16 July. Visit our Colour Dash sign-up page or call 01582 707940.

Registered runners receive sunglasses, a T-shirt, colour pouches, and a medal on completion. Entry is just £20 for adults and £10 for children. Colour Bandits of all ages are £10. Registration is open from 10am on the day and the event starts at 11am.