EIGHTY-nine-year-old Ernest Proctor was cheered all the way down the home straight in a charity event he completed in memory of his wife.

Hundreds of people enjoyed getting covered in glitter, bubbles and colourful powdered paint while raising vital funds for St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

The charity, which cares for 3,800 people a year across Somerset, held the last of three Glitter Run Remix events at Taunton Racecourse on Sunday.

More than 750 people completed the 5k fun run, sponsored by Western Power Distribution. They ran through two foam-filled bubble stations and two more where they were showered with biodegradable glitter, before a powder paint party after crossing the finish line.

Jenny Harris, from Taunton, was among those taking part in memory of relatives or friends. Along with 14 members of her family, she was raising funds in memory of her mum, Linda Stuart, on the weekend of the first anniversary of her death.

“We are taking part to show how much we, as a family, appreciate the help and support of St Margaret’s Hospice Care during our toughest time, and to help raise money so this amazing charity can continue to provide care and support to other families,” said Jenny.

Ernest Proctor, 89, was cheered down the home straight as he completed the course in memory of his wife, Doris.

The Taunton finale followed Glitter Run Remix events in Wincanton and Wells, with more than 1,600 people taking part in the three colourful fun runs.

Sonia Bateman, events fundraiser at St Margaret’s Hospice Care, said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came along to take part, support or volunteer at our Glitter Run Remix events in Taunton, Wells and Wincanton.

“It was wonderful to see everyone having such a fun time. The money raised by our fantastic supporters will help us continue caring for people across Somerset who are facing a life-limiting illness, which we couldn’t do without the generous support of our local community.”

PICTURES: Taunton Glitter Run Remix 2019

The charity’s next fundraising event will be the Great Somerset Memory Walk, along the West Somerset Coast Path on Sunday, September 15.

The sponsored walk starts at Butlin’s in Minehead, with the choice of finishing in West Quantoxhead after 12.4 miles or completing the full 25-mile route to Steart Marshes. Buses back to the start are included in the entry price of £15 for adults and £10 for children under 16.

Somerset County Gazette:
FUNDRAISER: Hundreds took part in the event at Taunton Racecourse