A family from Great Offley has signed up to take part in next month's Rainbow Run to raise funds for the neonatal unit at Stevenage's Lister Hospital to thank them for the care four-year-old Lacey received when she was born prematurely.  

'Lacey's army' – mum Hannah, dad Nick, five-year-old brother Freddie and Lacey – will take on the run at Ridlins Athletics Stadium in Stevenage on June 25 to raise funds for the neonatal unit where Lacey stayed for three weeks until she was well enough to go home 

Hannah, Lacey's mum, said: "It was such a worrying time when Lacey arrived early. She was so small and needed help breathing but the team looked after her, and us, so well. They were fantastic. We couldn't have wished for better care.

"We are doing the Rainbow Run as a family because we want to thank the neonatal unit and to raise funds to refurbish the parents' bedrooms on the unit. We used a room when Lacey was there. We were so grateful to have that space but the rooms desperately need updating. We want to help make them cosy and welcoming for families going through what we went through."

The Rainbow Run, launched by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, promises to be Hertfordshire's most colourful fun run and encourages runners of all capabilities to take part in its 2.5k, 5k and 10k routes. The event invites participants to dedicate their run to someone – a loved one, new arrival, doctor, nurse or hospital department that gave exceptional care. 

Beth McNeil, head of fundraising for the charity said: "We are delighted that families like Lacey's are joining us for the Rainbow Run to thank our wonderful NHS staff. 

"It is going to be such a fun day for everyone: from the serious runners to families with toddlers, there will be something for everyone. We also have quite a few members of staff taking part and they usually enjoy dressing up so we can expect to see some colourful costumes!

"We still have a few places left so it's not too late to sign up for a great day out supporting your local hospitals."

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To register for the Rainbow Run, go to: www.enhhcharity.org.uk/rainbow,and to sponsor Lacey's army, visit: www.justgiving.com/LaceysArmy