Clouds of vibrant, technicolour paint filled the sky as hundreds of enthusiastic runners came together to create a dazzling human rainbow at the Derian House Colour Run. The event raised an incredible £23,573.74 for children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
Participants of All Ages Join the Fun
Decked out in brightly coloured sunglasses and glittering rainbow face paint, participants of all ages and abilities gathered on the field beside the hospice in Astley Village, Chorley. Spirits were sky-high as the crowd prepared to walk, jog, or run the lively 2km route while being pelted with fistfuls of multi-coloured powdered paint.
The stunning fundraising total from the event will go directly toward helping the charity provide vital respite and end-of-life care. Thanks to the amazing efforts of the local community, the day proved that raising money for a brilliant cause can be an absolute explosion of fun.
Participant Stories: Leila and Her Family
Among those taking part was 15-year-old Leila, who is supported by Derian House. “I’ve been excited all month for the Colour Run,” said Leila. “It was really fun and I got covered in paint!”
Leila’s grandad, David Abram, said: “Leila was covered in coloured powder, as was her auntie who did it with her. The smiles on their faces when they finished was absolute proof of the Derian effect on families. Derian House is not just a children's hospice, it is the complete family package.”
Event Highlights and Sponsors
The family-friendly event began with a warm-up led by Zumba instructor Sylvia Skinner, joined by Derian House mascot Danni, getting everyone ready to tackle the course. Runners laughed and smiled as they crossed the finish line covered head-to-toe in paint, each receiving a special Colour Run medal kindly donated by John Harrison Sports Ltd of Leyland.
Crowds enjoyed refreshments throughout the event, including cold treats from Rocco’s Ice Cream van, while the Colour Run was proudly sponsored by Leyland Trucks and their charity, Leyland Trucks Helping Hand.
CEO and Fundraiser Comments
Derian House chief executive, Karen Edwards-Jackson OBE, also took part in the run, along with her husband and son. She said: “Our brilliant staff, volunteers and supporters made sure I crossed the finish line every colour imaginable! We all had a fantastic time. But beneath the laughter is something much more important. These events raise vital funds that enable us to continue providing exceptional safe care for children and families when they need us most. Every person who took part has made a difference.”
Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House, said: “A huge thank you goes to everyone who took part, volunteered, sponsored or supported this year’s Colour Run - helping to make it even bigger and brighter. The atmosphere was incredible from start to finish, and it was wonderful to see so many families and friends coming together for such an important cause. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6m to run the hospice this year. The charity only receives around 30 per cent of government funding, meaning it relies on kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1.”
About Derian House
Derian House, based in Chorley, Lancashire, cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West, helping them to make the most of every moment.
