BURSTS of colour brightened up Lydiard Park on Saturday as hundreds took part in Prospect Hospice’s annual rainbow run.

The popular event saw just under 1,000 people run, jog or walk five kilometres while being splashed with multi-coloured paint.

While each participant had a different reason for taking part and raising money for the Wroughton-based hospice, each one crossed the finishing line with a smile, all coated head to toe in bright neon powder.

Among those brave enough to run their way through flurries of paint was the family of much-loved Royal Wootton Bassett hockey player Steph Wheeler who died from cancer in October last year at Prospect Hospice.

The group, called Steph’s Stars, was made up of family and friends including Steph’s sister Donna Ponting, 50 who ran the race alongside Steph’s children.

“Prospect Hospice did an amazing job and it was through Facebook that we saw the colour run being advertised," she said.

“I jokingly said yes to take part and well, here we are.”

The rainbow run is now in its third year and is one of Prospect Hospice’s most popular events.

Royal Wootton Bassett Academy pupil Max Hopkins, 14, was the first one across the line in an impressive time while Matt Hollingshead, 34, who lives in Royal Wootton Bassett, was the first adult to cross the line.

Keen runner Matt is a member of the Bassett Hounds running club and has competed in the rainbow run for the last two years.

“My nan died four years ago and she was looked after by Prospect Hospice. My auntie did the run last year and not long after developed cancer.

“I work for Thames Water and so a group of us decided to do it and around £1,200 has been raised which Thames Water said they would double which is great.

“Prospect helped my nan and when my auntie developed cancer, she was in hospital and hated it. Prospect managed to squeeze her in and find her a bed and she got a lot better within herself before she passed away.”

Good friends Frances Wakley and Christine Nulty crossed the line together in memory of their husbands who both passed away from cancer.

“It was a wonderful place and we had brilliant support,” Frances said.

“They were absolutely fantastic to my husband Laurence.

“To me, they treated him so well and we have to keep the place going because it is needed by so many people.”