Hospitals in East and North Hertfordshire are over £20,000 better off thanks to the energy and goodwill of NHS staff, former patients and the local community raising funds in our colourful fun run.

Our annual Rainbow Run event took place on Sunday 28 June to support Lister Hospital, New QEII Hospital, Hertford County and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

Hosted once again by pantomime star, Aidan O’Neill, the popular event took place at Letchworth Rugby Club with more than 400 participants of all ages taking part.

Jenny Claridge, paediatric educator at Lister Hospital, was an enthusiastic participant along with her husband and two children.

Jenny said: “It was such a fun day. The kids loved getting covered in paint and they got to meet Stripe, the hospital mascot, too!

“I wanted to take part to raise funds for the Children’s Big Build. I’ve worked at Lister for nine years now and we really need to update the children’s wards. This new unit will be fantastic. It will look amazing and have all the latest features to make it a lovely, welcoming space for children and their families. We want to deliver the very best care in an environment that supports their physical and emotional wellbeing.

“Rainbow Run was just one of the activities I’m doing to raise funds. I’ve had a family fun day and raised over £1,000 and hope to do some other activities later in the year.”

Hannah Martin, events manager, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who took part. It was another brilliant day full of fun and colour.

“Luckily, the heatwave temperatures had cooled down so it was perfect weather. Thank you to Letchworth Rugby Club for hosting the event and Aidan O’Neill for being such an amazing host again. He really made the day extra special. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!”

We would like to thank our generous sponsors for their support. Sponsors include: Pinehill Hospital, Raymond James, Schye Construction, The Puppet Company, Women in Business Network - Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, Caremark and Extreme Scaffolding.

Thanks also go to the volunteer marshals including support from Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station, the Army Cadets, and Raynet Mid Herts. Jim Coote provided videography services, and music and sound came via Mr H Productions. Thank you to a team of photographers including Keith Fenwick, David Nathans, Lee Wilkinson and Rasaq Adewunmi.

Hannah added: "Events like this simply could not take place without support from our sponsors, and the enthusiasm and willingness of our volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely."

Photos from the day are on our Facebook albums.