Rainbow Runners share reasons for signing up

The St Wilfrid's Hospice Rainbow Run returns on 18th May, and participants have been sharing why they'll be taking part to raise vital funds for hospice care.

Lucy May’s sister-in-law, Emma, died at the hospice last year after a two-year fight with cancer. She said: ‘We could not have asked for a better place for Emma to be. She loved it there and enjoyed being wheeled into the beautiful garden to spend all day in the peace and calm.

Emma wanted a group of us with her at the end. It was the hardest time, but it was also the best few days as those closest to her were able to stay over, sleeping on chairs, pull out beds or inflatable mattresses. Everyone at the hospice was incredible in looking after Emma and making sure we were all ok and giving us the precious time we needed in her final days,’ Lucy said.

Samiera Hadi is raising money after the hospice supported her aunt. She said: ‘I’m supporting St Wilfrid's Hospice because they are incredibly amazing. My Aunt Gena was diagnosed with cancer in the middle of last year and unfortunately lost her battle in February under the care of the hospice.

‘The care and support she received from the hospice team was second to none. The staff are some of the kindest people I have ever met, and they made a real effort to not only keep my aunt comfortable, but the rest of the family, too. They were kind, caring and compassionate, so this is my way of saying thank you,’ Samiera said.

Lucy and Samiera will be running, walking or jogging 5km as part of Rainbow Run, which takes place at Nash Street Farm, near Hailsham. They will be raising money so that more people can get the care they deserve at the end of their life.

Senior Events Fundraiser at St Wilfrid’s, Beth Hillier, said: ‘Rainbow Run is perfect for families, friends or colleagues who want to run, walk or skip through all the colours of the rainbow - and this year we've also got a foam station to make it even more fun. More than 500 people have already signed up and we have space for plenty more. Early bird tickets are available until 31^st March.’

For more information about Rainbow Run, which is sponsored by Whiteline Manufacturing Ltd and Teamframes, visit events.stwhospice.org/event/rainbow-run

St Wilfrid’s supports people with life-limiting illness and their families and carers. It costs over £19,000 a day to run all the services provided by the hospice on its Inpatient Unit and out in the community, with only around 30% of this funding coming from the NHS.