A HUGE rainbow was seen over North Oxford at the weekend – but there wasn’t a drop of rain in sight. 

An explosion of colour saw hundreds of people young and old crossing the finish line at Helen and Douglas House’s Rainbow Run in Cutteslowe Park on Saturday.

Families were showered in powdered paint as they completed the 3km fun run to raise cash for the hospice, which cares for terminally-ill children and young adults.

It is hoped thousands of pounds will be raised for the Headington-based charity, which saw about 750 people participate from 11am.
Hannah Barrett, events manager for Helen and Douglas House, said the annual run, now in its fourth year, was ‘absolutely fantastic’.

She added: “It was really well supported by members of the public, family and friends of the hospice as well.

“It was lovely to see so many take part. It was nice and warm and sunny, too.

“The run is absolutely crucial as each year we have to raise £5.5m for the hospice to continue. Events like this are a fundamental part of our fundraising through sponsorship.”

Participants ran through the North Oxford park, with some pushing wheelchairs and buggies across the course. Among those covered in paint were 70 members of Team Thomas. 

Cath and Richard Laurie from Langford, Bicester, have inspired hundreds of people to raise money after their son passed away in February 2014.

Thomas died aged nine from a rare genetic condition called Cockayne syndrome, which causes premature ageing. He passed away at Helen and Douglas House in East Oxford.

Mrs Laurie said: “It was great, it was really good fun. There was a lot of laughing and everyone was together. We are still covered in green paint.

"We were honoured to be asked to start the run this year. I did a talk a little talk at the start and then Team Thomas started the race which was amazing. Tom would have loved it.”

Mrs Laurie said Team Thomas raised just under £1,500 so far, but hoped to smash a £2,000 target.

Ms Barrett said the hospice had asked for every participant to bring in a minimum of £30 in sponsorship money.

The events manager thanked staff and volunteers from the charity, adding: ‘Without our volunteers supporting us now and beforehand we could not do the job. I also give a big thank-you to all the staff as well.”

Sonia Francis completed the course with nine-year-old daughter Anoushka. 

Mrs Francis said: “It’s brilliant fun. We hope to do it next year.”