Runners rush to sign artwork at First Days colourful fundraiser – Wokingham.Today

RUNNERS at a charity event on Sunday changed colour as they followed a 2.5km route at Prospect Park in Tilehurst.

It was a sunny day, and only clouds on the horizon were those of paint, as teams of paint throwers pelted sprinters and walkers on the course with bags of coloured pigment.

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They were all at a Colour Run to have fun while raising funds for First Days Children’s Charity.

Event organiser Ellie Gosling, said: “We were blessed with an amazingly sunny day, during which 500 people took part.

“There were lots of families, with people walking and running as they chose, and some corporate groups from borough businesses who came along to support us too.

“People weren’t in a rush to leave at the end, with many staying on to picnic in the sun.

“It was a very successful day, and the event is growing.

“A new addition this year was an inflatable obstacle course, which was very popular.

“And Saxcelerate added a lovely vibe to the event.”

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Also at the event was artist Amy Smith.

With her business partner, Jo Romero, she runs Two Lost Birds.

The creative pair painted a mural to capture memories of the Colour Run, and signatures of the participants.

“Amy said: “”Everyone was in good spirits.

“There had been threats of thunderstorms, but none arrived, and it was just joyous to see everyone having so much fun.

“Families started chucking colours at each other before the run even began, and I noticed that some parents had been well and truly covered with it by their excited offspring.

“Everyone was so happy to be taking part.”

By the end of the run, teams of paint throwers strategically placed at four locations on the course had emptied their paint stocks on the runners, and what had started out as white t-shirts became rainbow tops.

“It was great fun seeing the runners transformed, but it was even funnier to see the paint throwers themselves become victims of their own paint,” she added.

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“Each time the wind changed, it pushed clouds of colour intended for the runners back onto the throwers’ heads.”

At the end of the run, participants were invited to add their signatures to Two Lost Birds’ mural.

This was painted prior to the event, with Jo starting at the feet and working her way upwards, while Amy began at the head and painted downwards.

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“On the day itself Jo was one of the artists on the Caversham Art Trail, so it was up to me to collect signatures,” she said.

“We had originally intended to invite just the first 50 to cross the finishing line.

“But in the end, the organisers were too busy to be able to arrange this.

“So we put out a message on the tannoy that anyone could come and sign, and 127 people came rushing up.

“People’s enthusiasm was wonderful.”

The mural will go to First Days’ Elevate Centre, the Courtyard, Denmark Street in Wokingham, where it will add a splash of colour and inspiration to the building’s interior.

Three limited edition copies of it were also given to the lucky winners of a raffle on the day.

Ellie Gosling said: “The mural will bring colour and the memory of a lovely day to the building where it will be enjoyed by staff and families who visit the centre.

“Thank you to everyone who came to enjoy the day, which has raised around £4,000.

“Thanks also to Two Lost Birds, to Avocado Property estate agents in Binfield, and to Just Play Sports children’s activities business, Wokingham, all of whom contributed to the event.”

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Two Lost Birds is a Woodley art and design business creating bespoke murals, paintings and portraits.

First Days Children’s Charity gives choice, restores dignity and empowers families living with a low income or experiencing financial hardship.

The organisation provides peer support and one to one coaching to parents, and everyday essentials for children who need them, including school uniforms, new baby essentials, beds and bedding, travel equipment, toiletries, safety items, furniture, toys, and books.

For more information, visit: www.firstdays.net, and www.twolostbirds.co.uk, www.justplaysports.co.uk, and www.avocadopropertyagents.co.uk.