Spread a little colour and help hospice charity to save lives

A mum is encouraging the people of Luton to get messy for a charity which she says saved her son’s life.

Lisa Zsentko from Stotfold says without Keech Hospice Care, which supports adults and children with life-limiting illnesses, her son Stone would not be alive today.

“I’m really looking forward to giving Keech’s Colour Dash in Wigmore Park this Sunday a go. I know first-hand just what a difference the money raised makes,” said Lisa.

As a baby, Stone’s heart stopped for 17 minutes. He was diagnosed with every mother’s worst nightmare - meningitis.

It left him severely brain damaged and took him back to being more like a four month old rather than the one year old he nearly was.

“At the hospital doctors tod me Stone only had a matter of days to live and asked me to sign a ‘do not resuscitate’ form in case his little heart stopped again.

“I refused to sign it and although I felt completely helpless, I knew I couldn’t give up.

“I couldn’t get any real answers to the many questions I had and I didn’t want my beautiful baby to die in hospital. It was then I discovered Keech.

“As soon as I brought Stone to Keech the nurses made me feel at ease and more in control.

“Over time, Stone started to respond and get better. Keech taught me the skills I needed to look after my special little man.

“Stone is now three years old, and although life is very different, Keech has helped and supported my whole family to come to terms with what’s happened and deal with our newly found circumstances. The charity provides me with reassurance and a safe place to bring my family to where we enjoy time together.

“Stone is doing really well now, but without Keech, he wouldn’t be alive today. Keech saved him.

“I’ve heard about this latest colour dash craze that’s sweeping the globe and think it sounds fun. Stone’s looking forward to taking part in his buggy and getting painted all the colours of the rainbow. It’s going to be a great day and our chance to give back and raise money for a charity which has done so much for my family,” Lisa said.

To date, 500 runners have signed up. Keech’s 5K Colour Dash at Wigmore Park on Sunday July 19 is a first for Luton.

Participants will be given a white T-shirt, with the Colour Bandits waiting to shower them in a rainbow of vibrant colours throughout the run. It’s a fantastic way to make some colourful memories.

Registered runners receive sunglasses, T-shirt, colour pouches, a medal and goody bag on completion. The run/walk is traffic-free and suitable for all ages and abilities. Entry is just £20 for adults and £10 for children. Colour Bandits of all ages are £10. Registration is open from 10am and the event starts at 11am. Places are going fast so sign up online now at www.keech.org.uk/colourdash