Family part of the 750 strong fun runners

A Newbury family ran the rainbow in Reading to help fund a children’s hospice.

Dr Emily Harrop, her husband Adrian Clark and their two children, nine-year-old Maisie and six-year-old Leo, ran the Reading Rainbow Run as team ‘Cross Country Clarks’ on June 21.

The family were among more than 750 people to take part in the event, held in Reading’s Prospect Park for the second time, to raise money money for the Helen & Douglas House hospice which cares for terminally-ill children, young adults and their families.

Dr Harrop, consultant in pediatric palliative care at Helen & Douglas House, said: “I find myself overwhelmed on a daily basis, by the courage and determination shown by my patients and their families, in overcoming physical and emotional challenges.

“The Rainbow Run was an exciting opportunity to put something back and do this with some of our Helen & Douglas House families and it was nice for our family to meet some of the Helen & Douglas House team and get involved.”

Volunteers from the Ollie Young Foundation, which funds targeted pediatric brain tumour research and support, families and volunteers took on the four paint points and showered runners with brightly-coloured yellow, green, orange and blue powder paint as they ran past.

All participants received a specially-designed rainbow medal at the finish line.

Activities fundraiser from Helen & Douglas House, Poppy Hanbury, said: “It was a fantastic day and everyone had great fun getting covered in paint all the colours of the rainbow.

“There were lots of children and families taking part which was wonderful, including families who have close connections with the hospice. There were lots of smiles and laughter with everyone having a lot of fun.

“I would like to extend a big thank you to all our runners, our volunteers, paint point sponsors and everyone who helped put on this event.”

The charity wants to raise more than £30,000 to care for the terminally-ill children young adults and their families who use the hospice service.

Article Source: Newbury Today