On Sunday 7 June 2015, over 140 people attended the annual Rainbow Run at Allianz Park, home of the Saracens Rugby Club. Runners enjoyed a warm up from Pure Gym before running around the 5K course being blasted with coloured powder paint.

The sponsored fun run raised vital funds to support Noah's Ark's services. A BIG thank you to all of their runners and all of their supporters - Martyn Gerrard, Allianz Park, Saracens Rugby Club and Pure Gym.

Among this year’s participants were parents, Rena and Diyen, whose son was cared for by Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

For them, this event took on a bitter-sweet poignancy. At three weeks old, their son, Kayen, was diagnosed with a rare condition, Mucolipidosis II. Within a short time, the couple were introduced to Noah’s Ark. Rena explained: “We were so scared about being referred to a hospice, but within no time our fear was gone. Everyone was friendly, caring and completely understood all of our needs.”

She continued: “We just wanted Kayen to have a happy, fun-filled life and for him to be able to do normal things. That’s what we were able to give him with the help and support from the team at Noah’s Ark. Kayen had lots of fun at family days, and he was excited to be around other children. He passed away suddenly on 30 December 2013 and his beautiful smile, warm cuddles and personality are the reason we’re taking part and fundraising. Kayen had so many happy days because of Noah’s Ark – we hope that by sharing our story and raising money for Noah’s Ark, we’ll be helping other children and families benefit from their great work.”

Rainbow Run is all about friends, family and fun and raising money for your local children’s hospice, Noah's Ark.

“Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice is so much more than a service, they are literally a lifeline to us. We say this because we are one of the families they have supported and still continue to do so. To us, they are family; there are no words to express how much they mean to us.

Without Noah’s Ark, things could have been a lot worse. Noah’s Ark is vital and there are many more families out there that need the support. Having a hospice facility is very important. Without a doubt, a home from home environment would have made a big difference to Kayen and us.

We never dreamt we would embark on a journey that would be this painful and heart breaking. It’s tested us mentally, physically and emotionally, the help and support from the team has been invaluable to us and for this, we are eternally grateful.”

For more information on Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and what they do, please click on http://www.noahsarkhospice.org.uk/