Luton gears up for biggest ever Colour Dash

A Mother from Dunstable is encouraging people to paint Wigmore Valley Park the colours of the rainbow and sign up for Luton’s biggest ever Colour Dash.

More than 1,000 people are expected to take part in Keech Hospice Care’s 5KM event on Sunday 17 July 2016.

Noemi Dorgu, 34, said the money raised will make a huge difference in supporting adults, and children like her daughter Zofeya, 7, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“Zofeya’s brother Malacai, 10, and myself are so excited to be taking part,” said Noemi. “We owe Keech Hospice Care so much. The charity has been brilliant at helping my family, as well as many other terminally ill children and adults.

“The six months of music therapy Zofeya had at Keech Hospice Care gave her back the control and independence she’d lost because of the challenging operations and treatment she’d been through. Seeing Zofeya returning to her normal self, thanks to Keech Hospice Care, and bossing about its amazing care staff really made me laugh. Thanks to Keech Hospice Care, I got my little girl back.

“Before we discovered Keech Hospice Care, I didn’t know there was a place you can go to for support and therapies. The hospice is bright and colourful, a world away from the clinical feel of a hospital we were used to.

“When you have a child who is seriously ill people do not really understand you. You become a 24 hour carer; you’re tired all the time, your world is centred around medical needs and you can’t plan ahead. At Keech Hospice Care, I felt understood and supported both physically and mentally.

“What people need to understand is Keech Hospice Care does not just help families when a child is at the end of their life, but it also supports families throughout their entire journey – however long that journey might be.

“Keech Hospice Care’s Colour Dash is a fantastic way to make some colourful memories for all the family. I’m running knowing the money I raise means Keech will be able to help other families like mine. When it seemed nothing would ever be the same again, Keech Hospice Care was there to help us,” said Noemi.

Mark Relf, Regional & Events Fundraising Manager at Keech Hospice Care, said the charity is hoping to smash last year’s fundraising total.

“It really is a 5km walk, jog or run with a difference! In 2015 our 500 participants raised £37,000. As a charity, we depend on 70% of our funding to come from our community for our survival.

“Keech Hospice Care support adults from Luton and South Beds as well as being Bedfordshire’s children’s hospice. Our care doesn’t just happen at the hospice but in patients’ homes, schools and hospitals – wherever the support is needed. So please, come out on Sunday 17 July 2016, have fun and show your true colours for Keech.”

Sign up now
Places are going fast so sign up to Keech Hospice Care’s Colour Dash at Wigmore Park, Luton on Sunday 17 July. Visit www.keech.org.uk/colourdash or call 01582 707940. Registered runners receive sunglasses, T-shirt, colour pouches, a medal and goody bag on completion. The run/walk is traffic-free and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry is just £20 for adults and £10 for children. Registration is open from 10am and the event starts at 11am.

For further information contact Lorna Milton, Senior PR Officer at Keech Hospice Care on 01582 497874/ 07824606856 or at lmilton@keech.org.uk.