Fun runners transform Southampton streets in Naomi House Rainbow Run

Around 800 runners were pelted with powdered paint as they walked, jogged and sprinted along the three-kilometre route through the city centre as part of the Daily Echo-backed Rainbow Run for Naomi House.

Starting in Guildhall Square the route went through Watts Park and East Park before finishing in Above Bar Street.

Daily Echo Editor-in-Chief Ian Murray and a team of reporters threw red paint at participants with the help of three-year-old Tarun Chung, who receives respite care at the hospice in Sutton Scotney near Winchester.

Nurses, carers, volunteers and hundreds of families who have been supported by the hospice – and its sister service for young adults Jacksplace – took part in the event to give something back to the charity.

Among them was six-year-old Adam Tupper from Sholing and 11 family members and friends, who were running for Adam’s little brother, Lewis, eight, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and major duct problems, and Lisa and Dominic Leggett, who lost their two-year-old daughter Lacey to a rare muscle wasting condition in February.

Lisa said: “It’s really exciting to be raising awareness for such a great charity and to be able to repay them for what they have given us. They supported us being a family. They were amazing and helped us through the really hard times and I just can’t thank them enough.”

Naomi House and Jacksplace carer Bethan Evans also took part with her friend, trainee lawyer Emily Goddard.

The 22-year-old from Eastleigh said: “Working with the children and young people at Naomi House and Jacksplace you see how much their care changes. Their needs change all the time.

“Doing something like this for the Caterpillar Appeal means that we can give the up-to-date care that makes such difference to them and their families.”

The city’s first colour run began with a warm-up led by staff from David Lloyd gym, while Liberty Pride Cheer-leaders raised spirits by performing near the finish line.

Organisers hope the event will raise £30,000 towards the hospice’s Caterpillar Appeal to renovate the building and provide more rooms and services for children suffering from life-limiting conditions.

Work on the one-year project began this summer but the hospice needs to raise £4 million to cover all the costs.

Mark Smith, deputy chief executive at Naomi House and Jacksplace also took part in the Rainbow Run with his family.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted with our first ever Rainbow Run and extremely grateful to everyone who took part.

“Southampton really was awash with colour as people came from far and wide to get behind our appeal.

“Of course, we could not have organised the event without Southampton City Council and our fantastic sponsors, who did such a great job of chucking paint at our participants.

“Keep your eye out for more amazing events in support of our Caterpillar Appeal in the very near future.”

The charity hopes Rainbow Run will return to the city next year.

To support the Caterpillar Appeal call 01960 760060 or visit caterpillarappeal.org.uk.