By KLTV Newsdesk –

[Photo Credit: Mike Robinson]

Over £42,000 raised as community rallies for children’s hospice in vibrant Huddersfield celebration

BBC Happy Valley star Rhys Connah joined over 1,000 spirited participants in a kaleidoscope of colour at Greenhead Park on Saturday, helping raise more than £42,000 and counting for the Forget Me Not children’s hospice.

Now in its 8th year, the Colour Run brought together runners, walkers and families for a day of fun, remembrance, and heartfelt support for children with life-shortening conditions across West Yorkshire.

“Such a fantastic charity”: Rhys Connah gets colourful for a cause

Rhys Connah, best known for his role as Ryan in the acclaimed BBC drama Happy Valley, is a proud ambassador for Forget Me Not.

He took part in the run alongside his brother, embracing the event’s playful spirit and powerful message.

“What a great time at today’s Colour Run! I can literally taste the colour!

“My brother and I had such a laugh — and it was amazing to see so many people turn up for such an important cause.

“Watching everyone have fun, get messy and raise so much for Forget Me Not was just brilliant.

“It’s such a fantastic charity, and I’m so proud to be an ambassador for it.”

The actor even stayed behind after the event to help volunteers with litter picking, earning further praise from organisers.

Hollie Shaw makes history and inspires the crowd

The day was also marked by a moving milestone, as 21-year-old Hollie Shaw from Greetland in Calderdale became the first young person supported by the hospice to speak on stage at the event.

Hollie, who has epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and extremely painful skin condition, was one of the first children to stay at the hospice’s Russell House when it opened in 2011.

She has since raised over £1,100 via her JustGiving page.

Speaking to the gathered crowd, Hollie delivered an emotional and passionate address: “I’m here today because Forget Me Not deserves more recognition than they get.

“They’ve helped me and my family massively, and I wanted to give something back – to make a big impact for them.

“But it’s not just me, loads of children and families rely on Forget Me Not for support.

“So I’m not just speaking for myself today, I’m speaking on behalf of all the children and young people and families supported by Forget Me Not.

“Some of them are here today, many of them can’t be here – but we’re all here for them!

“That’s why I want to say thank you to all of you for taking part in the Colour Run! Every penny you raise will help more children and young people like me get the support they need.”

A community effort

Stephanie Parker, Director of Fundraising and Engagement at Forget Me Not, praised everyone involved in making the event a huge success.

“What an amazing day! A huge well done and thank you to everyone who joined in the fun.

“Every penny of the £42,000 raised so far will fund our work supporting local children and families.

“A massive thank you too to everyone who has worked so hard to make this event a success, including all the volunteers who have given up their time today to help.”

She also extended thanks to the event’s generous sponsors and contributors, including Charlesworth Family Group, Shepley Spring, The FM Company, Banana Moon, Elland Round Table, Aflex Hose, FMG, Ministry of Colour, Britvic, Myers Group, and Yorkshire Fence Hire.

Live entertainment was provided by Pennine Academy of Dance, singer Beth Hannaway, Alex from Kirklees Active Leisure, Jo from The Happy Yoga Club and Gary Duncan, while the Fire Service supported with clean-up efforts.

Photographer Mike Robinson was on hand to capture the day’s most memorable moments.

The event was officially launched by the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Liz Smaje.

Colour, joy, and unforgettable moments

Reflecting on the highlights of the day, Parker added, “Lastly, thank you to our two celebrities! Our ambassador, Rhys Connah, did us proud again today, getting very colourful, chatting to fans and posing for pictures.

“He even hung around at the end, helping the clear-up crew with litter picking — what a guy!

“And what a very proud moment for us all to see Hollie up on stage, speaking on behalf of all the children and young people we support — an inspiration to us all!”

Donations from the Colour Run continue to come in, as the community celebrates not just a day of colour, but a true triumph of care, compassion, and commitment.