Children's Hospice South West (CHSW) is asking people to help spread more rainbows by taking part in the charity's first-ever Virtual Rainbow Run later this month.

CHSW has had to cancel its three colourful fun runs in Newquay, Exeter and Bristol this summer due to the Covid-19 crisis, losing an estimated £150,000 in fundraising.

Instead, it is asking people to 'get rainbowed up and run' their own 5k Rainbow Run on the weekend of June 20-21.

Events fundraiser Kiley Pearce said:

"Whether you rock a tie-dye tee, get crazy with hair colours or go fully-fledged rainbow warrior with flashy face paint, you can complete 5k any way you like and help spread more rainbows by wearing the brightest colours possible.

"You can choose to run, walk or cycle your Rainbow Run, complete it in one go, or in shorter bursts over the two days. Whichever way you decide to do it, we want you to get colourful and creative at home, have fun and raise some money for local families who need our love and support now more than ever."

Entry is free but everyone who registers to take part and raises some sponsorship money will receive a Rainbow Run medal. The suggested minimum sponsorship target is £15 for adults and £9 for children.

Over the weekend there will be virtual warm-ups, competitions and even an after-party on the Virtual Rainbow Run 2020 Facebook event page.

CHSW needs £11m a year to run its three children's hospices – Little Harbour in St Austell, Little Bridge House in Barnstaple and Charlton Farm near Bristol – and around 85 per cent is raised through voluntary donations.

The hospices support more than 500 children with life-limiting illnesses and their families across the South West, and care teams have adapted their day-to-day care provision to be able to continue to offer lifeline support during the coronavirus lockdown.

"With many of our events being cancelled this year, we really hope people will join us virtually and help raise funds to ensure local children and families can continue to receive the vital care they need now and into the future," added Kiley.

Virtual Rainbow Run 2020 is kindly sponsored by Ann's Cottage; one of the largest retailers of surf and lifestyle wear in Cornwall, and insurance specialist The Exeter.

To register for Virtual Rainbow Run 2020 click here

To join the Virtual Rainbow Run 2020 Facebook event page visit Facebook.