A staggering sum of more than £22,000 was raised in an Ipswich colour run at the weekend, it has been announced.

About 400 people took part in the event in Christchurch Park on Saturday, with participants completing either 1km or 5km routes while being showered in coloured powder paint.

More than £22,000 was raised to help the staff at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Left to right: Emma Everett and her daughter Kasie Everett. Left to right: Emma Everett and her daughter Kasie Everett. (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) Emma Everett took part with her 17-year-old daughter Kacie to recognise the care Kacie received from Ipswich Hospital's Ear, Nose and Throat Department after a thyroid diagnosis in July 2023

Their combined fundraising efforts currently stand at more than £700 funds that will help patients and staff at ESNEFT by providing extras facilities that can go beyond what the NHS is sometimes able to provide.

Staff from Bluebird Lodge community hospital enjoying the event. Staff from Bluebird Lodge community hospital enjoying the event. (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) Emma said that she wanted to do the run to help the staff at Ipswich Hospital who had provided her with such an excellent care.

She said: "I really wanted to do the colour run because the staff were amazing. Everyone I came into contact with was just brilliant. My consultant Dr Billy Wong was amazing – he took very good care of me and was extremely attentive."

Participants could complete a 1km or 5km route. Participants could complete a 1km or 5km route. (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) Funds raised by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity can help ensure there is tea and coffee in waiting rooms or providing slippers for older patients to ensure they don't fall.

At the same time money donated to the charity can also be used to provide the hospitals with lifesaving equipment and cutting-edge technology which can help transform the healthcare available to patients.

Over £22,000 was raised for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).Over £22,000 was raised for East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) Daniel Dickson, OCS CEO for UK & Ireland who helped fund the event in partnership with the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, said that the facilities management company was "proud" to sponsor the event, with numerous employees from the Ransome Industrial Estate based firm taking part.

He said: "We've thoroughly enjoyed this fantastic event and are proud as a local business to sponsor the charity and have lots of our team taking part and volunteering. We’re already looking forward to next year.”

Participants were showered in coloured powder paint. Participants were showered in coloured powder paint. (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) Nichola Whymark, head of charity fundraising and marketing for Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity, expressed her thanks for all those who took part as well as the generosity from of sponsors and the tireless efforts from volunteers.

Participants, volunteers and sponsors received praise for their generosity and efforts. Participants, volunteers and sponsors received praise for their generosity and efforts. (Image: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity) She said: "We would like to extend our thanks to everyone that supported us including the participants, suppliers, our sponsor and volunteers who made this event possible.

“Their support and commitment have been truly inspiring. Together, they have made a significant difference to the lives of patients, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity.”