A TEENAGER has encouraged people to take part in a foamy fun run to support the hospice that cares for his sister.

Toby Butler, 16, is helping to launch Helen & Douglas House's annual Bubble Rush event in Oxford, as early bird tickets go on sale.

The run, which is now in its third year, follows a five-kilometre course overflowing with multicoloured froth.

Toby, from Faringdon, is close to the cause as the children's hospice looks after his 11-year-old sister Chloe.

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She has a life-shortening condition and has been coming to the hospice in East Oxford for most of her life.

Toby said: "When Chloe has been really ill, Mum has had help from the nurses to help get her better both at the hospice and at home.

"When I was little, someone from Helen & Douglas House came to our house to help me with my feelings.

"I know after Chloe is gone, Helen & Douglas House will still be there for us."

The hospice has helped Toby and Chloe as well as their 10-year-old brother Charlie, and parents Sally and David.

It runs a siblings group, which organises group support and activities for brothers and sisters of patients.

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Toby said he went to London to see a magic show with the group, and is looking forward to a racing car simulator experience soon.

He added: "I get to meet other people with similar lives.

"It helps me know it’s not just me."

The teenager said the hospice helps his parents to 'recharge their batteries' and gives the whole family more freedom.

Whole-family events organised by the hospice include a night at the zoo and a day with cars and bikes.

Toby said: "We have been to some amazing events.

"We always say thank you to Chloe for these as without her and the hospice, we wouldn’t get these experiences."

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The money raised at this year's Bubble Rush could fund the sibling support programme for one year.

It takes place on Sunday, June 7 at a location yet to be confirmed.

Anyone who signs up before Friday will receive a discount of up to 50 per cent.

Entry is open to all ages and children younger than three years old go free.

Participants are welcome to walk, run or jog around the route, and can expect to wade through waves of bubbles up to four feet deep.

There will be a zumba warm-up, an event village and participants also get a t-shirt and medal.

Hazel Bedford, who works in the hospice's fundraising team, said: "By taking part in our Bubble Rush, you will make a real difference to the lives of local terminally ill children and their families like Chloe’s.

"The support we give to siblings is really important to help them feel listened to and understood, as well as giving them ways of coping.

"They also have time and space to be children and can enjoy fun activities like treasure hunts and outings, which give them the chance to switch off and make new friends going through similar experiences, so they don’t feel alone or isolated."

To sign up, visit helenanddouglas.org.uk/event or call 01865 799166.