Family and friends of a bubbly woman who died last year are keeping her memory alive by getting drenched in a rainbow of colour.

A team of 14, with ages ranging between seven and 73, have signed up to take part in the annual Colour Run in July.

At Egremont Castle this week, the team had a trial run where they were covered in colour to promote the popular event which raises cash for Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

They will be running in honour of Sarah Hughes, a 34-year-old who had a severe learning disability and died last October.

Her sister, Melinda Hughes, along with carers and their families, have named themselves after Sarah, calling their group Sennie’s Stars.

Melinda, originally from Egremont but now living in Whitehaven, said: “When Sarah died we wanted to do something in her memory because she was such a fun and bubbly person so it had to be something fitting.

“When we saw the Colour Run, it seemed right as she would have enjoyed seeing us all get messy and it would have given her great pleasure seeing us get covered in colour.”

One of those taking part is 73-year-old Liz Hespinall, who cared for Sarah for 16 years.

“Because there was only me and Sarah, her carers – and their family – became Sarah’s family,” added Melinda.

“As her sister, I know how important it is for people to receive the support they need.”


And they will take part in the run wearing a pair of the many wacky glasses Sarah collected over the years.

More than 300 people have already put down their names for the fourth Colour Run at Muncaster Castle on Sunday, July 2.

Last year, almost 750 people took part in the event, which has been the biggest entry to date.

Deana Grills, Hospice at Home West Cumbria’s marketing co-ordinator, said: “We are absolutely delighted that there’s a team of 14 taking part and we’d like to encourage more people to team up and help make a fantastic day for a local charity.

“Tickets are still available for the event. It will be a fantastic day with lots of family fun for all ages.”

To sponsor the team of 14, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sennies-Stars