Colour Dash at Home has brought joy to families across Lincolnshire who were left disappointed when the main Colour Dash event at the Lincolnshire Showground had to be cancelled during lockdown. One family who joined in the fun was the Chapmans in Lincoln – husband and wife, Jo and Colin, and their children, Dylan (9) and Evelyn (5). 
Jo said, “We have completed two Colour Dash events for St Barnabas in the past as they are such a wonderful, local cause. After finishing the Colour Dash at Home, my mum’s cousin was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer and spent a short time in the Hospice before she died. It just goes to show how important it is to raise funds for St Barnabas as you just never know if any of your loved ones might need their care in the future.
“Mum’s cousin, Carol Smith, had only a short stay at St Barnabas after her illness got rapidly worse. As a family, we are pleased she was cared for in such a homely environment and we want to thank the staff at the Hospice for being there for her at the end.
“Once we had finished the fun run, my sister and mum came to join us for a socially distanced picnic and paint party in the back garden. The kids were even able to visit some friend’s houses on the route we chose.”
Dylan, Jo’s nine-year-old said, “It was fun having paint thrown all over me, it was all amazing!”
Evelyn, Jo’s five-year-old added, “I liked splashing Daddy with the paint and going to throw paint at my best friend, Elizabeth. It was lots of fun!”
Jo added, “I would like to thank St Barnabas for thinking outside the box to give us a fun family activity that kept the kids entertained during the summer holidays and also provided the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. We have raised £328 for the Hospice and are truly grateful for the care they gave Carol when it mattered most.
“My message to mums and dads out there is to sign your family up to the Colour Dash at Home! Your kids will love it and, just like me, you never know how close one of your friends or family members could be to needing the incredible care of St Barnabas Hospice.”
There is still time to sign your family up to take part in the Colour Dash at Home. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/homecolourdash and register from as little as £10 per family.
