EXPLOSIONS of colour will drift across the skies when fundraisers pound the streets for an East Oxford hospice.

Thousands are expected to be splattered with paint when Helen & Douglas House's annual Rainbow Run returns to the city for the third year.

Families are being called on to brave the 3km trail around Cutteslowe Park, where they will be showered head-to-toe with all the colours of the rainbow next month.

Helen & Douglas House community and activities fundraiser Bobby Higson said: "Our Rainbow Run reflects the ethos of Helen & Douglas House – it is about having fun and living life to the full.

"With no winners or official times, the run caters for anyone of any age. We have great supporters across the whole of Oxfordshire and we can’t wait to see them at this spectacular event. So get painted for families and sign up today."

The Magdalen Road hospice – which supports terminally ill young children, adults and their families – has announced youngster Jack Smith will be the face of its colourful run this year.

Bampton resident Jack, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has been visiting the hospice's Helen House since he was two for respite care.

He loves the hospice's spa, which helps his muscles and joints, and also spends time relaxing in its sensory room, which helps to stimulate his eyesight.

The 12-year-old and his family battled the Rainbow Run last year and cannot wait to tackle the course again at 11am on June 4.

He also got into the rainbow-spirit with mum Jane, dad Jason and younger brother Noah when they dipped their hands in paint at a recent visit to the hospice.

Mrs Smith said: "For Jack, Helen House is somewhere he can go and do something a bit different: he can get away with a few more things than at home. He might stay up a bit later, get up a bit later, all those kind of things.

"For us as his parents, it is knowing that at the end of the day, there is somewhere we can go, someone who can take over, and that is quite big actually, because there is no-one else."

All participants, who will be covered in safe and biodegradable paint made from a form of corn starch, will also be in the chance of winning a trophy prized to the top fundraiser.

The hospice needs £5m each year to care for more than 300 young people from across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, and provide support to more than 60 bereaved families.

Places are £12 for children aged 13 and under, and £17.50 for anyone over 14.

To sign up see hdh.org.uk