By KLTV Newsdesk –

Beloved BBC actor and inspirational young speaker to headline hospice’s biggest event of the year in Huddersfield

Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice has announced that Happy Valley star Rhys Connah will return for the 2025 Colour Run, and this year, he’ll be joined on stage by the charity’s own inspirational young person, Hollie Shaw.

Taking place on Saturday 14th June from 11 am to 3 pm at Greenhead Park, Huddersfield, the vibrant event promises another day of colour, joy and heartfelt community spirit, all in support of local children with life-shortening conditions.

A Star Returns for More Colourful Fun

Rhys Connah, 20, best known for playing Ryan Cawood in the acclaimed BBC drama Happy Valley, stole hearts last year when he ran the Colour Run with his baby brother Teddy strapped to his chest.

Now an official ambassador for Forget Me Not, Rhys is returning to join the crowds again and will also take to the stage to address participants.

Rhys, who also stars in the new BBC drama What It Feels Like for a Girl, said: “I’m so proud to be supporting Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and taking part in their Colour Run again with my family.

“It’s such a fun event, full of colour, energy and community – and all for an incredible cause.

“I’d love to see as many people there as possible. Get signed up and let’s make it the best one yet!”

Hollie Shaw Makes Hospice History

Joining Rhys on stage will be 21-year-old Hollie Shaw, the first Forget Me Not young person to address the Colour Run crowds.

Hollie has been part of the hospice’s journey since the opening of Russell House in 2011.

Born with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare condition that causes extremely fragile skin, Hollie continues to defy expectations and inspire others.

A confident and passionate speaker, Hollie has previously appeared on BBC Look North to share her adventures visiting the set of Secret Invasion, and more recently addressed business supporters at the Race Across West Yorkshire awards evening.

Ahead of the Colour Run, Hollie said: “When I speak at the Colour Run, I’ll be doing it on behalf of all the children and young people supported by Forget Me Not, because we are all so grateful for the support we’ve had from the team there.

“They are amazing and have helped me and my family through some really tough times. That’s why I’ll be doing the Colour Run too – in my wheelchair, wrapped in protective layers.

“And to be honest, if I can do it, then anyone can – so what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now and join me!”

A Day of Community and Celebration

Georgia Lane, Fundraising Manager at Forget Me Not, expressed her excitement: “We’re thrilled to be joined by two very special participants at Colour Run this year.

“Last year, it would be fair to say Rhys Connah was a very enthusiastic participant!

“He threw himself wholeheartedly into the Colour Run and looked super cute running with his baby brother on his chest.

“He was a great ambassador for our charity, making tons of friends and posing for photos as he mingled with the crowds.

“And we couldn’t be more proud of Hollie Shaw. She has been supported by Forget Me Not since the start so to see her up on stage, the first Forget Me Not young person to address the crowds at the Colour Run will be a special moment that I wouldn’t miss for the world.”

Sign Up Before It’s Too Late

Now in its 8th year, the Colour Run is sponsored by the Charlesworth Family Group. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families — as well as those living with the loss of a child.

Register here: www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/colourrun

Don’t miss your chance to run, walk, or wheel through a sea of colour for an incredible cause.