Howard Webb gets paint thrown at him - for charity

International football referee Howard Webb has thrown his support behind Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice’s new Colour Dash race - by being covered from head to toe in paint.

Howard, a patron of Bluebell Wood, agreed to have five colours of paint thrown at him, by youngster Jacob Soar, aged 16, and staff at Bluebell Wood, to help highlight the fun event.

Taking place at Rother Valley Country Park, Sheffield on 3 May 2014, and Colour Dash is** **to raise vital funds for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

The five-kilometre un-timed race sees participants showered from head to toe in a vibrant colour at each kilometre. The race finishes in a rainbow shower of colours, which is for adults and children of all fitness levels and can be run, jogged or walked.

Howard’s children, Holly, Jack and Lucy have signed up to the run and depending on work commitments Howard may also be joining them on the start line.

The colour dash concept has been a huge success in the United States and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is the first charity in the Yorkshire region to this type of event.

Launched just six weeks ago, over half of the 2,000 available places have already been taken.

Helen Mower, head of fundraising at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, said: “We’re really excited and the support we have already received has been astonishing.

“Tickets for the Colour Dash are being snapped up quickly, so if you want to join in this exciting run sign up now”.

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice offers care and support to children with a shortened life expectancy. It give families the gift of time with their children to laugh, love and create unforgettable memories.

It costs over £3 million a year to provide this service and the charity receives less than 5% statutory funding.

The goal of Colour Dash is to raise £40,000 and awareness of the hospice around the region.