New bubbly fundraiser proves pop-ular

And within 48 hours, more than 1,200 people had registered for the frothy fun event in Hemel’s Gadebridge Park on Sunday, April 17.

Fran Martin, events manager at the hospice, said: “The response has been absolutely incredible – we’re bubbling with excitement that people all over Herts and Bucks are up for some fabulous frothy fun, which is bubbles ahead of any other fun run.

“We wanted to organise something brand new and we listened to our supporters, who told us they wanted us to put on an event which could involve their children – Bubble Rush ticks both boxes.

“It’s an exciting, fun-filled event, suitable for all ages and abilities, from individuals and families with small and large children to teams, friends and keen runners.”

At the event, which is sponsored by Hillier Hopkins LLP, participants will run, walk or dance their way through Bubble Stations as they’re blasted by cannons blowing out crazy coloured bubbles, covering them in safe, frothy foam.

A street slide will greet them at the finale and there’ll be entertainment and stalls selling refreshments in the Bubble Village.

Hairdresser Sam Makepeace, 28, from Parklands, Hemel Hempstead, is one of 40 ‘Bubblers’ taking part in memory of her much-loved sister Hayley.

Sam wants to raise enough funds to cover the cost of the 12 days 29-year-old Hayley spent at the hospice before losing her nine-month battle with bowel cancer, just four days before Christmas.

Hayley’s fiancé Joel Rowbotham, 29, will also be taking part, together with family members, friends and colleagues, ranging in ages from four to 65.

“The care that Hayley and we as her family received at the Hospice was just outstanding,’ said Sam.

“Hayley was a really bubbly and vibrant person, so it just made sense to do the Bubble Rush in her name.

“It’s exactly the kind of event that Hayley would have loved and with lots of kids in our family, it’s something they can get involved in too.

“We wanted to do something to remember and celebrate Hayley’s life - her motto was ‘Hope, fight, kick ass!’ and she did – and to thank the hospice for the incredible care it gave us all.”

Mobile tyre fitter Joel will be taking part with 10 other lads, dressing up as Super Woman as a nod to Hayley. “We’re going to have a ball in Hayley’s memory and do something she would have been proud of,” he said.

Come and join Sam and Joel for some frothy fun, but hurry, places are being snapped up fast!

Visit the website to sign up at www.stfrancis.org.uk/bubblerush

Registration costs £7.50 for under-16s, £25 for over 16s, while under 3s go free. Entry includes an exclusive Bubble Rush T-shirt and shiny Bubbler’s medal. (T-shirts are not included for under-3s).

No minimum sponsorship is required, but the hospice relies on voluntary donations to fund 80 per cent of its £4.8m annual running costs and asks all Bubblers to raise as much as much as they can to support its vital work.

To sponsor Sam or Joel, visit their Just Giving page here.