I decided to take part in The Color Run to raise money for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice (PTH) in memory of my Dad, Malcolm Cooper. Just Giving will keep this page open until 1st September 2014, so plenty of time to donate if you 'd like to and haven't had the chance yet!

Update on 2nd June 2014:

It was great fun and the atmosphere was electric! And - even more amazingly - it stayed dry! The start of the race was delayed (I understand that joyriders had to be removed from the cleared roads?!) but eventually we went through in waves of people every few minutes - I gather there were some 18,000 participants! There were colour zones every 1 of the 5k… so after the first kilometre, we had pink, then blue, yellow and orange! As we went through a zone we would be showered with the colourful dust. Some people stopped to pick up more and throw it at each other, or lie down on the ground and create 'colour angels'!!! I think I ate as much as landed on me - fortunately just cornflour dyed with food colouring (tasted horrible!)! Participants came in all shapes and sizes… and colours lol: runners, walkers, kids of all ages, folk in wheelchairs, babies in pushchairs… you name it! It was fun to whoop and high-five people streaming in the opposite direction at one point of the course - there was a wonderful spirit of encouragement and goodwill. 

It was just fantastic to get so many people together, to participate in something for others that was also a lot of messy fun! I took part with my good friend Miranda who is raising money for two causes close to her heart in memory of her mum. We both ache today but it was worth it. I am so glad my back held out, and in moments of ouchiness, just reminded myself of what others are going through who may not have long to live - one of the reasons for my involvement.

So thank you to EVERYONE who donated, or who will donate before the closing period. Your generosity spurred me on, as well as helping raise much-needed funds for an amazing organisation xxx

About the hospice and my reason for participating:

This is the only adult hospice serving West Surrey and part of North East Hampshire. PTH offers a compassionate and caring approach and they were amazing in support of my Dad and our family during his battle with cancer. He lost the fight in April 2012, but the hospice continues to do fantastic work to enable patients, carers and families affected by a terminal illness (e.g. cancer, heart, lung or neurological disease) to live life as fully as possible.

Please give what you can - every little helps and I would love your support! Some of you know that the facet joint in my back has been causing problems since the end of last year… but it's a small price to pay and whether I run, jog or walk, I'm going to give it my best!!! I love colour and I'm used to getting myself covered in paint but getting to do it while raising money for a worthwhile cause is too good an opportunity to miss! Ha ha!!! :D

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much in advance - it really means a lot! xxx