Wisdom Hospice Colour Me Purple fun run to return to Sittingbourne

It's time to get plastered in colour again.

The sixth Colour Me Purple charity 5k fun-run for the Wisdom Hospice returns to Milton Creek Country Park, Sittingbourne, next month.

The hospice, like many charities, is desperate to replenish its bank balance after months of coronavirus lockdown and a lack of fundraising.

Martyn Reeves, the chief executive of the Friends of Wisdom Hospice, said: "Now, more than ever, we need people's support.

"We have 15 beds at Rochester but not many realise we also look after 400 people in the community. Of those, a third - about 120 - are from Swale. We are the nearest adult hospice for Sittingbourne and Sheppey."

The annual run at Milton Creek had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

It is the hospice's biggest fundraiser and over the years has contributed £100,000 to the cause which gives end-of-life support to patients and their families. It needs to raise £2,500 a day to cover its costs.

Sittingbourne also has a Wisdom Hospice charity shop in the high street managed by Claire Miller.

Mr Reeves, 57, said: "We already have nearly 200 signed up to get covered in colour. Runners get dusted with powdered paint. The effect looks fantastic."

Despite the government dropping most covid restrictions, this year's run on Sunday, September 5, includes changes to improve safety.

To cut down on congestion, there will be a series of rolling starts beginning at 11am and the number of places has been pegged at 400. Past runs have topped 600.

Mr Reeves stressed: "The finishing time isn't important. It's all about showing your support and stepping out of your comfort zone with friends and family."

There are no sign-ins on the day. All entries must be pre-booked by noon on Friday, August 27. Packs include a running number, T-shirt and a pouch of paint. All finishers will get a winner's medal. Entry is £15 (£10 for under-16s).

If you don't want to run or walk but would like to be involved in the Parade of Colour, organisers are also seeking volunteers. For information, email info@fowh.org.uk or call 01634 831163.

For more suggestions of things to do with the kids visit www.mykentfamily.co.uk