Runners set to get soaked all to aid Northamptonshire charity

The annual Water Dash will take place today (Saturday 20th July) at Upton Country Park in Northampton.

Families, children and adults are invited to attempt a 5km inflatable obstacle course, including a smoke tunnel and cargo nets. With today's predicated hot weather, with a yellow heat alert still in place, you'll also be able to keep cool, as so called water ninjas on the course armed with supersoakers.

There's no time limits or expectations on distance completed. And this fundraising event is organised by The Lewis Foundation, a charity that provides over 2,000 free gift bags every week to people undergoing cancer treatment at 17 hospitals across Northamptonshire and the Midlands.

Lorraine Lewis, CEO and co-founder of The Lewis Foundation told us thanks to events like this, they hope to be supporting five more hospitals soon.

And the weather looks better than they've had in previous years when wind and rain meant the event had to be moved.

Lorraine says: “This will be our third Water Dash and it was so good last year that tickets for the 2024 event are already selling fast! It’s suitable for ages five and above and for all fitness levels, which means everyone can take part.”

“We’re going to make this year’s Water Dash bigger and better than ever before and promise it will be totally different to any other event in the county. Adults and children are sure to have lots of fun together while raising money for us to provide even more gift and care packs for adult cancer patients.”

One of those involved Dr Audrey Tang, director of Click Arts Foundation and business author, broadcaster, leadership coach and brand ambassador, said: “The Lewis Foundation provides so much value to everyone they meet, whether it’s giving care packages to those in hospital and speaking to family members who need support, or the space and time they provide through their wellbeing cafes and pamper sessions for those with a diagnosis.

The value they bring is immeasurable and that is why we continue to support all that they do.”

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