Feeling all nostalgic as it is exactly 2 years since ride the rainbow and remembering what an incredible experience that was.
Just in case you were thinking things had gone quiet on the fundraising front we wanted to update you on what we have been up to and have planned for the future…
Firstly, lets go back to June of last year and the phenomenal team achievement that was “Run the Rainbow”. Our group of 12 runners (from total novice to those with experience of endurance running) completed the wolf pack run (London to Cardiff), between us running and navigating a staggering miles of varying terrain in all weathers and times of day and night. The sleep deprivation, living on a minibus for that length of time, not to mention the actual running and navigating were hugely challenging for all involved but I don’t think any of us were quite prepared for how much we enjoyed it! The team spirit was electric and our energy never seemed to wane, always there to cheer each other on and help each other out. You fabulous lot didn’t let us down with your support and we raised over £3500. We completed the course in 25 and a half hours and although were initially really pleased with all our efforts, quickly became frustrated by how close we were to coming in sub 24 hours and wanted another opportunity to smash that time (well most of us did!)
So that’s just what we’re aiming to do. A modified version of the original team (some have other vague prior commitments such as weddings in Norway and giving birth) will be taking part in this year’s wolf pack run on 9th-10th June (www.wolfpackrunning.com) with the aim of beating last years time and hopefully breaking that 24 hour target so any more pennies of support to help achieve this would be, as always, so gratefully achieved.
And it’s not just us raising money for Jasper’s Rainbow. Also in summer of last year Ellie Davies ran the two castles 10km, Julie Latham held a brick a brack sale and completed a weekend trek of the Jurassic Coast and Alfie and Claire Davies organised a cake sale marking Jasper’s 2nd birthday. Unique little ones (www.facebook.com/uniquelittleones) continue to contribute 20% of sales from their rainbow range. Sales of rainbow lanyards and pin badges continue at Warwick hospital with profits going to Jaspers rainbow (if anyone is interested please get in touch) and Christmas 2016 saw the return of the rainbow tree to Warwick hospital’s delivery suite where patients and staff donated generously to hang their Christmas messages on the branches.
Also this year, on July 30th, Team Hawkesford (Jon, Tom, Kate and Nicky) are taking part in Ride London (www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk), a huge event, involving approximately 25,000 cyclists riding a route of 100 miles in and around London. 
Unfortunately, they all didn’t get in on the ballot and therefore could only get in with charity places. None of Jasper’s rainbow charities are registered with the event, so we needed to look elsewhere. Luckily a very worthy charity, Tommy’s (www.tommys.org) is! Tommys is an organisation that funds research into causes of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. They exist with the aim to save babies lives. Jasper’s life couldn’t be saved but the thought of the many parents experiencing the pain of losing their child under preventable circumstances is one which inspires us to want to support this charity. So for this period of time, to sponsor any of them for this event we kindly ask you donate to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/jaspersrainbow
So that’s it for now! We are also a little preoccupied as Jasper is going to be a big brother in about 8 weeks time so we are needing a bit of normal family time!
Having said that, I have heard some crazy talks about 2018… something involving the combined pedalling skills of Jon Hawkesford, the doggy paddle skills of Tim Lyons and the pegging it skills of Rich Watts. And as often is the case with Jasper’s rainbow events, there will be the opportunity for many others of varying abilities to get involved should they wish/be talked into it!
Jaspers Rainbow 