Happy Valley Star Running at Forget Me Not’s Colour Run

Posted By: Christopher Morganon: May 22, 2024In: Current Affairs, News, Regional News, Talking Health TV

Forget Me Not's Colour Run 2023

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By Joshua Robinson –

On Saturday 8th June, Forget Me Not’s Colour Run returns to Greenhead Park in Huddersfield, and joining the runners this year will be Rhys Connah, who played Ryan in the BBC TV show Happy Valley.

Rhys announced he had become an ambassador for Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice on his Instagram account in March this year, visiting staff at the charity’s Hebden Bridge shop for their annual volunteer lunch.

The Colour Run sees up to 1000 participants take on either a 3km or 5km walk, jog, or run while being showered in clouds of coloured powder.

Rhys Connah and his brothers Teddy (centre) and Ryan preparing for the Colour Run

Every year, families who have been supported by Forget Me Not join the run, remembering and celebrating their children. Among the families taking part are Lucy and Ethan Lowe, from Huddersfield who will be running in memory of their son, Oscar, who died in June 2021 when Lucy was 32 weeks pregnant with him.

Lucy said: “The Colour Run is one of the ways we keep Oscar’s memory alive and is a chance to bring family and friends together to remember Oscar too. Last year we were joined by our closest friends, our parents, our siblings and our rainbow baby, Iris.”

“We all wore photos of Oscar around our necks, and I felt such a sense of pride to be able to show his face to everyone taking part in the run. It’s one day that I feel like I can be a true parent to Oscar and speak to others about him.”

“There is something really special about that huge number of people coming together to support the hospice. We feel proud to be a part of this wonderful Forget Me Not family – to us it’s Oscar’s home and was a real lifeline when we needed it the most.”

“Everyone who was on Team Oscar had a fantastic day. There’s such a sense of happiness and love from everyone you pass, and it’s just a sea of smiling, happy faces! We raised £740 in total and we can’t wait to take part again this year.”

Lucy and Ethan Lowe, with rainbow baby Iris at Colour Run 2023

This year will be Rhys Connah’s first Colour Run. Rhys said: “I’ve heard great things about the Colour Run, it will definitely be the biggest Forget Me Not event I’ve been to. I’m looking forward to being part of the incredible community of families and supporters who will be gathering in Greenhead Park, hearing people’s stories, sharing some laughs and good times, and of course getting colourful!”

“I’ve visited and seen for myself the difference Forget Me Not makes to families at Russell House. It’s lovely that an event like this, which will hopefully raise lots of money for Forget Me Not, also makes a special day for parents like Lucy and Ethan and their family and friends.”

Alison Parker, Relationship Manager at Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice said: “Rhys is incredibly generous with his time, we’re thrilled that he’ll be joining us for the day. We first met Rhys when he came to open our 13th charity shop, in Hebden Bridge, and he was happy to hang around chatting to fans and posing for selfies. I’m sure people will have ample opportunity to meet him on the day.”

“Colour Run is always a special day, it’s our biggest and most colourful event of the year and one the whole community can get involved in, whatever your age or fitness level. Every penny raised by participants getting sponsored will go towards supporting local families facing or living with the loss of their child. Last year our colour runners together raised an amazing £32,000 – we’d love to raise even more this year.”

“Tickets are still on sale, but there are only 1000 and we’re expecting them to sell out. So, if you want to join Rhys and be part of the most colourful run in Huddersfield, book your place now!”

Tickets for Forget Me Not’s Colour Run can be purchased at www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/colourrun

The Colour Run is sponsored by The Charlesworth Family Group (event sponsor) and the Ministry of Colours (paint sponsor).