Colourful characters in charity fundraiser

Kind-hearted teenagers competing in a charity race in aid of Willow added a splash of colour to their fundraising efforts after being pelted with powdered paints during a 3km '˜colour run'.

A dozen colourful characters, from Hemel Hempstead, St Albans and Hatfield, are all taking part in this summer’s National Citizen Service (NCS), a programme for young people which includes initiatives to benefit local communities and good causes.

The team of 16 and 17-year-olds decided to raise money for Willow, a charity which provides unforgettable special days for seriously ill young adults.

To do this, they organised a fundraising afternoon of stalls, games, and the colour run at St Albans’ Girls’ School on Friday August 5.

The team is on track to raise £1,500 for the charity, based in Welwyn Garden City.

NCS is delivered regionally across Hertfordshire by employability and skills specialists Ingeus in partnership with Elevation Networks.

Over the course of a month, the teenage participants spend time at an outdoor activity centre, develop practical and employability skills, and devise their own projects to help improve the lives of others.

The team was inspired to support Willow after visiting seriously ill patients at Watford General Hospital as part of the NCS programme.