THE rain did not dampen spirits for the hundreds of people of all ages who ran the course in the East Lancashire Hospice’s Bubble Dash.

Despite the strong winds at Pleckgate School on Saturday morning, hospice chiefs say they event was a huge success and runners were buoyed by the party atmosphere during the two sessions.

Event organiser Leanne Green said: “It is tremendous to see so many people taking part.

“Last year 400 people registered and this time we had 600 and we want to thank all the people for their support.

“It was great to see Tom and Jack Mayoh doing the race. They set a target to raise money for the hospice because we cared for their mum and they have beaten that and raise £22,000.

“We have to raise £3.7m a year which does not just go to the hospice but the community work too so what Jack and Tom has done has been inspirational. We have tried to come up with something to do for all ages.

“It is nice to see the community get behind us especially as we have celebrated our 35th anniversary and we want to be here for another 35.”

Tom and Jack’s dad Gary Mayoh said the brothers were excited to raise money for the hospice who cared for their mum Louise.

He said: “They play football so it was good training for them and they were playing last night.”

Eight-year-old Matilda Tyson, from Mellor Brook, completed the course with her mum Kat Tyson, 37.

She said: “It was awesome.

“I got lost in the blue bubbles and it went in my mouth but I enjoyed it.”

Leanna Dickinson, 30, was doing the run with family and friends for her brother Michael Hodgson who was in the hospice and died 18 months ago.

She said: “It was a fantastic event and we are always doing things to support the hospice as they they helped my brother.”

Mrs Green added: "We would like to thank all our sponsors: Cardboard Box Company, Lock and Key Estate Agents, Hermes UK, Wave Internet for sponsoring the event.

"The East Ribble District Freemasons for marshalling the event. Dj Skippy and Blowjangles for hosting and performing.

"M+LK for donating 400 bottles to give away to participants and to all the volunteers and the Freemasons for helping make the day happen."