A RAINBOW run put the fun into fundraising today. (Sunday, May 17)

Hundreds of people took part in the Butterwick Hospice 5k Rainbow Run at Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.

Plenty of serious runners were among the participants and first past the finishing line was Jeff Blackwell, of Newton Aycliffe.

But most people jogged or walked the route and for all 528 participants the main aim of the day was to have fun whilst raising money for the hospice in Bishop Auckland.

Fundraiser and event organiser Helen Kirby said: “It went really well, people loved the route, kids managed and everyone had a great time.

“Around £13,500 was pledged which will really keep the hospice going.”

At four points throughout the route, which took in the forest’s riverside walk and Gruffalo trail, fun runners were showered with colourful powder paint by volunteers from King James I Academy, Bishop Auckland St Mary’s FC and 1st Bishop Middleham Brownies.

Miss Kirby added: “We found that lots of people were doing it in memory of someone or because they had their own particular reason for supporting us.”

Among the participants were Amanda Dobson, 39, and sons Joseph, nine, and Sean, seven, from Bishop Auckland.

They helped launch the event in memory of husband and father Andrew Dobson who was supported by the hospice before he died of cancer a year ago, aged 41.

Mrs Dobson said: “I’ve mixed emotions but overall it is a great event in aid of the wonderful hospice.”

Mrs Dobson started the race with Tracey Cramond, of Darlington, who was the millionth finisher of the Great North Run last year and is a big supporter of Butterwick Hospice Care, which runs the Bishop Auckland hospice along with two on Stockton.

Mrs Cramond said: “I’ve always helped Butterwick in any way I can, I’m very aware of the services and people they help in the region.”