FUNDRAISERS are promising more than a dash of colour with their latest wacky venture, the first in-person event since the outbreak of Covid.

A veritable kaleidoscope of hues will add to the fun and excitement as St Teresa’s Hospice strives to replenish reserves left beleaguered by the pandemic.

Rainbow Rush will take place on Sunday, July 18, at Longfield Academy, Darlington, featuring a sponsored colour fun run with six paint stations and 10 weird and wacky obstacles.

Participants will be showered with colourful powder paint as they make their way around the course in waves of no more than 30 people to be Covid secure.

Entry is £10 per person and the minimum age to enter is five-years-old. In return they will enjoy a fun pre-run warm-up, receive an event t-shirt, a personal colour paint packet, a poncho to protect their car and clothing and an official finisher’s medal.

The event is designed for everyone, young or old, experienced runners or novices and everyone will have time to browse the stalls. Entrants can run, sprint or dance around the course. To join in the fun visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk/rainbow-rush.

Charles Clinkard is the principal sponsor this year and there are still opportunities for other businesses to sponsor the paint stations and obstacles. Anyone interested should contact the events team on 01325- 254321 or email events@darlingtonhospice.org.uk.

Retail managing director Tim Payne said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Rainbow Rush to support the event and the hospice.

“We’re particularly pleased as it’s the first mass attendance event they’ve been able to hold since the start of the pandemic – it’s been far too long. My children recently took part in a similar event at their school and it looked like a lot of fun, so I hope the sun is shining on the day and those taking part can really enjoy the occasion.”

St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw added: “We are so excited at the prospect of returning to mass participation events which will help our depleted coffers.

“I must thank again the commitment and ingenuity of our staff, volunteers and wonderfully supportive community who have kept the hospice going during the most difficult period of its history. I can’t wait for it to be business as usual where everyone can enjoy the glorious atmosphere of our community fundraisers.”

St Teresa’s Hospice needs to raise £3m a year to provide free in-patient and community care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families in Darlington, South Durham and North Yorkshire.

An emergency appeal, launched at the start of the pandemic, is still running and donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/campaign/hugtostts.