Photos Frank Leppard
An explosion of paint clouds and more than 500 participants marked this year’s Pilgrims Hospices Thanet 5K Colour Run at Palm Bay on Sunday (October 6).
An impressive £220k has been raised in the eight years the event has taken place, going to hospice end-of-life care in east Kent.
To kick off the Colour Run event fitness expert Bex did a fun warm-up for all. The dynamic and energetic warm-up session was full of fun dance moves and prepared everyone for the colourful and exciting spectacle ahead. With cool dance music playing, participants were encouraged to move, stretch, and get their hearts pumping, creating a lively atmosphere, prior to a colour blast.
Fundraising manager Karen Kenward said: “The money raised will undoubtedly go a long way in providing crucial support and care for those in need in the community.
“The Thanet 5K Colour Run is not only a fantastic way to raise money but also a beautiful example of how communities can unite for a great cause, which this year included Alexa Bolger aged 8, who stole the stage gaining huge applause from the crowd after hearing how much she had raised by making beaded bracelets for donations to help raise awareness and funding for our charity.
“To date Alexa (pictured) has raised £573 and even stayed for the warm-up! A huge ‘Well done’ to everyone who supported us on the day, and here’s to many more successful events in the future.
“I would like to take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to our sponsors – Watkins, Stagecoach, Copyshop and Mini Stores in Deal. Also, thank you for the support of Margate Ambulance, Academy Radio, Isle of Thanet News, Frank Leppard for his incredible photos, Pete our DJ, and and lastly to the Pilgrims staff and volunteers who help support me in making this event so special.
“I think I can truly say we’ve all had a real colour blast of a day today and we couldn’t run the event without everyone’s wonderful support, thank you all once again!”
Each year Pilgrims’ gives care to thousands of people across east Kent. Care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families the charity must raise approximately £11 million each year from the generous local community.
