More than £20,000 has been raised to support patients at Lister Hospital and other East and North Hertfordshire hospitals after hundreds of people took part in this year's colourful Rainbow Run.

The annual fundraising event, organised by East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, took place on Sunday 28 June at Letchworth Rugby Club, attracting more than 400 runners and walkers of all ages.

Funds raised will support projects at Lister Hospital in Stevenage, the New QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City, Hertford County Hospital and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

Hosted by pantomime favourite Aidan O'Neill, participants tackled the fun run while being showered in brightly coloured powder paint at stations around the course.

Among those taking part was Lister Hospital paediatric educator Jenny Claridge, who completed the event alongside her husband and two children to raise money for the hospital's Children's Big Build appeal.

Jenny, who has worked at Lister for nine years, said: "It was such a fun day. The kids loved getting covered in paint and they got to meet Stripe, the hospital mascot, too.

"I wanted to take part to raise funds for the Children's Big Build. We really need to update the children's wards. This new unit will be fantastic. It will look amazing and have all the latest features to make it a lovely, welcoming space for children and their families. We want to deliver the very best care in an environment that supports their physical and emotional wellbeing."

Jenny has already raised more than £1,000 through a family fun day and plans to organise more fundraising activities later this year.

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Hannah Martin, Events Manager for East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals' Charity, thanked everyone who supported the event.

She said: "Thank you so much to everyone who took part. It was another brilliant day full of fun and colour.

"Luckily, the heatwave temperatures had cooled down so it was perfect weather. Thank you to Letchworth Rugby Club for hosting the event and Aidan O'Neill for being such an amazing host again. He really made the day extra special. We can't wait to do it all again next year."

The charity also thanked sponsors including Pinehill Hospital, Raymond James, Schye Construction, The Puppet Company, Women in Business Network – Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, Caremark and Extreme Scaffolding.

Volunteer marshals from Baldock and Letchworth Fire Station, the Army Cadets and Raynet Mid Herts also helped ensure the event ran safely, alongside photographers and production teams who supported the day.

Hannah added: "Events like this simply could not take place without the support of our sponsors, and the enthusiasm and willingness of our volunteers to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely."