EXPLOSIONS of colour brightened up Cutteslowe Park yesterday as more than 700 runners were splattered with paint to raise money for a hospice.

Oxford’s second Rainbow Run was held in aid of the children’s hospice Helen and Douglas House.

Oxford Mail:

 Filthy Luca the dog with Lois Brown, left, and Bea Needham

The hospice, in Oxford’s Magdalen Road, supports terminally ill children, young adults and their families in and around Oxfordshire.

Among those taking part was Michaela Middleton, whose sixyear-old son Finley receives care at the hospice.

Finely suffers from genetic illnesses which affects his thyroid and immune system, though he does not have a specific diagnosis.

Oxford Mail:

Lawrie Thornton with parents Janet and Tony

Mrs Middleton, 46, of Woodpiece Road, Arncott, said: “The hospice is like a little piece of heaven.

“It doesn’t take away the responsibility you have.

“But it helps you take some time for yourself.

“Without them I don’t know what we would do.”

The mother-of-two completed the three-kilometre route with two friends and the trio hope to raise about £750.

This will go towards the hospice’s £50,000 target, which could pay for four weeks of specialist medical care.

Oxford Mail:

From left, Samantha Bardsley and Hanna Barret

That amount would also go towards the annual £5 million running costs.

Also taking part was 15-year-old Lois Bown, of Holmer Green.

She said: “It was absolutely fantastic.

It was really fun with everyone there. You got a really good vibe from it.”

Poppy Hanbury, the hospice’s activities fundraiser, said: “It was a fantastic day and everyone had great fun getting covered in paint.

“There were lots of smiles.”