On Saturday, 5th August, nearly 600 participants gathered at Apex Park in Burnham-on-Sea to take part in Weston Hospicecare’s first-ever Bubble Rush. In spite of some rain and thunder in the morning, the day turned out to be a wonderfully sunny one — perfect weather for undertaking a 5K and getting covered from head to toe in frothy foam.

Before starting the 5K, participants were able to don their white T-shirts and colourful merchandise, enjoy music and live entertainment led by Action Pussycat, purchase some treats from the Sweet Shack and Lizzie’s Kitchen, and talk to hospice staff about more ways to support the hospice. A warm-up led by the team at Sweet Result Fitness got participants of all ages and abilities ready for the race.

Following the sound of the horn, the white foam cannons covered runners and walkers alike, giving them a taste of what was to come. The course, which looped around Apex Park, saw participants through the yellow Bubble Station, the pink Bubble Station (which was sponsored by AP Signs & Print), the green Bubble Station (which was sponsored by BWOC) and the blue Bubble Station before crossing the finish line back in the centre of the park.

Events fundraiser Kelsey Dehaney, who organised the event, said: ‘It was an absolutely brilliant day, with lots of people having fun, enjoying themselves and raising funds for Weston Hospicecare in the sunshine. We really cannot thank everyone enough; all of the sponsors, companies, individuals and staff involved really did all they could to make the day great. We’re proud to provide care to the people of Burnham and the surrounding areas, so it was wonderful to be able to host our first event in the area.’

The participants involved were also keen to express their gratitude to the event organisers, with many people writing comments on the hospice’s Facebook page and one even putting a sticky note on the back window of one Bubble Rush car. The note read: ‘Thank you for bringing it to Burnham-on-Sea! We loved it! – Alesha Hayward and Nannie’

While it is too early to say how much the event has raised and whether or not the hospice will be doing another Bubble Rush in the future, the hospice is keen to express gratitude to everyone who has supported the event.

‘From the mayor of Burnham-on-Sea, who got involved in renaming the town to Bubble-on-Sea, to the companies that have sponsored the event to our volunteers and participants, everyone has shown such dedication to the hospice and to our community,’ Kelsey said. ‘We want to thank everyone for all they’ve done so far, and please do continue to raise sponsorship and donate to help us make sure this event raises as much as possible to ensure we can carry on providing support to people in our community who’ve been affected by life-limiting illnesses.’

To make a donation or to pay in sponsorship, please visit www.westonhospicecare.org.uk or call 01934 423 960.

 

Want to see some GREAT photos from the day? Head on over to our Facebook page, where you can check out more than 600 photos!