A CREDITON family was among the hundreds of families that slid, skipped and toddled their way around the Torbay’s bubbliest 5k race, Rowcroft Hospice’s Bubble Rush which was held at Torbay Velopark on Saturday, September 9.

Lisa Hillson, her daughter Lily Dumbleton (7), her son George Dumbleton (4) and her fiancé Adam Blake, were among more than 900 people who took part in the fun run with a difference, completing three loops of Torbay Velopark’s track, all while getting showered in thousands of multi-coloured bubbles.

Lisa explained: "We ran in memory of my mum Lynn Hillson who passed away two-and-a-half years ago after battling cancer.

"Rowcroft supported us both before and after she died.

"We enjoyed taking part and we raised £235 on our JustGiving page for Rowcroft."

Rowcroft hopes the event will have raised more than £35,000 to help support local families living with life-limiting illnesses.

Darren Hole from Marldon, whose family took part in the 5k, said: “We were running for my brother, we wanted to do it because the whole family could take part.”?Darren’s son, six-year-old Jude, said: “It was absolutely awesome because I love playing with bubbles.”?His daughter, nine-year-old Evie-Rose, added: “I felt really happy and proud of myself.”

Claire Johnson from Newton Abbot and her 12-year-old daughter, Tegan Fletcher, also took part in memory of Tegan’s Grandad.?Tegan said: “It was really fun; it was amazing to actually complete 5k!”?Claire added: “It was a really good fun experience; the bubbles were over our heads! We would definitely do it again, it was great to show our support for Rowcroft.”

Organisers of Rowcroft’s inaugural bubblicious event say they are delighted with the amount raised.?Daniel Robson, Rowcroft’s Events Manager added: “I would like to say a huge ’thank you’ on behalf of all at Rowcroft Hospice, to all those hundreds of people and families who went to such fantastic efforts to raise funds for Rowcroft Hospice!

“Every pound will help local families living with life-limiting illnesses to share tears, cuddles and precious moments together over the months and years to come. We are so grateful for your support – thank you.”?The hospice’s thanks also extend to the more than 80 volunteers who generously donated their time to help with the running of today’s event.

Daniel added: “Every time we hold an event we are overwhelmed with the incredible efforts shown by our volunteers and today was no exception!

Huge thanks go to all those who helped cheer, sort, pack and do countless other jobs to ensure the event ran smoothly and that everyone who attended had a great time, we really are so grateful for your support!”?Rowcroft’s packed events calendar continues next month with the 24km cycle challenge, Ride for Rowcroft, taking place at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Sunday, October 8.

Daniel added: “We still have a number of participant and volunteer places available for our next fundraising event and if you’re interested in taking part we would love to see you there.

"Find out more about how to get involved by visiting: www.rideforrowcroft.org.uk or emailing: [email protected] .”

Rowcroft Hospice, in Torquay, helps more than 2,000 people living with life-limiting illnesses in South Devon each year. It costs £8.3 million to provide Rowcroft’s services and as an independent charity, more than 70 per cent of its funding comes from the generosity of the public.

Alan Quick