Dr Kershaw's Hospice paint Alexandra Park all the colours of the rainbow

Date published: 23 September 2019

The colours of the rainbow were splashed across Oldham on Sunday for the fifth fund-raising Dr Kershaw's Colour Blast.

Hundreds of participants took part in the Colour Blast, which involves a lap of Alexandra Park, whilst being pelted with colourful powdered paints.

Organiser Lillie Winterbottom, one of the fundraising team at Dr Kershaw's hospice, was delighted. "We were worried about the weather first thing in the morning, as heavy rain was forecast.

"As it happened, apart from the odd short shower, it was a perfect day for a feelgood, fun event"

Among the entrants were friends and families of patients of Dr Kershaw's, and generous Oldhamers, ready to dress up and get stuck in.

Revolution 96.2 breakfast presenters Elliot Eastwick and Di Lynham hosted the event from the radio station stage in front of the boating lake.

Says Elliot "This is the fifth year of the Colour Blast, an event I look forward to every single year.  I'm always inpired by the energy and sense of fun from the Colour Blast entrants"

"To see hundreds of people warming up by dancing in front of the stage, covered in brightly coloured paint is always a spectacle."

Entertainment was provided by Brit Theatre, who wowed the crowds with songs from their upcoming Halloween spectacular at the Grange Theatre.  Then talented vocalist and entertainer Annie Luv ramped up the energy with a string of eighties numbers, inviting the crowd to take part.

Anna Kirkpatrick from Anna's Dance helped warm up the participants ahead of the starting buzzer, which was sounded at 1pm.

As well as the registration fee, many entrants were sponsored to take the colourful trip around the park.

"As ever, the Colour Blast is a wonderful event", says Community Fundraiser Lillie Winterbottom.  "I'd like to thank everyone who joined in today to make this a real success.

"If you were sponsored by friends, family, or colleagues, we'd urge you to collect your sponsorship money as soon as you can."

The event was sponsored by Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, with help from KH Flooring, and Garratt's Solicitors.

You can see a full gallery of pictures from the Colour Blast here.

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