Hospitals in East and North Hertfordshire have gained over £20,000 thanks to the energy and goodwill of NHS staff, former patients, and the local community, who raised funds through a colourful fun run.
Rainbow Run 2025: A Colourful Success
The Rainbow Run, an annual event organised by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, took place on Sunday, June 28, to support Lister Hospital, New QEII Hospital, Hertford County, and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre. Hosted by pantomime star Aidan O’Neill, the event was held at Letchworth Rugby Club, attracting more than 400 participants of all ages.
Jenny Claridge, a paediatric educator at Lister Hospital, participated enthusiastically with her husband and two children. She said: "It was such a fun day. The kids loved getting covered in paint, and they got to meet Stripe, the hospital mascot, too. I wanted to take part to raise funds for the Children's Big Build. I've worked at Lister for nine years now, and we really need to update the children's wards. This new unit will be fantastic. It will look amazing and have all the latest features to make it a lovely, welcoming space for children and their families. We want to deliver the very best care in an environment that supports their physical and emotional wellbeing. Rainbow Run was just one of the activities I'm doing to raise funds."
Fundraising Impact and Community Support
Jenny added: "I've had a family fun day and raised more than £1,000, and hope to do some other activities later in the year." The total raised from the Rainbow Run exceeded £20,000, which will directly benefit the hospitals' services and facilities.
Hannah Martin, events manager, said: "Thank you so much to everyone who took part. It was another brilliant day full of fun and colour. Luckily, the heatwave temperatures had cooled down, so it was perfect weather. Thank you to Letchworth Rugby Club for hosting the event and Aidan O'Neill for being such an amazing host again. He really made the day extra special. We can't wait to do it all again next year."
Sponsors and Volunteers Make It Possible
East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity thanked generous sponsors including Pinehill Hospital, Raymond James, Schye Construction, The Puppet Company, Women in Business Network - Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, Caremark, and Extreme Scaffolding. Volunteer marshals from Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station, the Army Cadets, and Raynet Mid Herts also supported the event. Jim Coote provided videography, Mr H Productions handled music and sound, and photographers Keith Fenwick, David Nathans, Lee Wilkinson, and Rasaq Adewunmi captured the day.
Hannah added: "Events like this simply could not take place without support from our sponsors, and the enthusiasm and willingness of our volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely." Photos from the day will be shared on the charity's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/enhhcharity.
