Hundreds take on Bubble Rush challenge

The event on Sunday (May 20) saw 'bubblers' make their way through four-foot walls of coloured foam on a 2.5km course in aid of the charity – which cares for children in the area.

The new mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Dee Simson, and 18-year-old Ella, who took part in the wheelchair friendly-event, sent participants on their way around the course.

Ella and her family have been receiving support from Demelza’s community team for several years. Ella needs round the clock care and the team visit the family home in Lewes twice a day, Monday to Friday.

Her mum Andrea said: “Demelza are amazing and have given us lots of support. They’ve been a lifeline.”

Cllr Simson took her daughter and grand-daughter along to the event, and said: “Demelza is such a wonderful organisation. The charity does amazing work.”

All bubblers were given a Bubble Rush T-shirt, a commemorative medal, a goody bag and there is a prize up for grabs for the bubbler who raises the most in sponsorship.

Those taking part included families supported by Demelza, those who wanted to raise money for a good cause and others who were simply looking for a fun family day out.

Entrants included father and son Stewart and Dexter Turner-Murrell, from Brighton, whose dog Woodie also ran the course, with the family wanting to raise money for a good cause.

A family from Bexhill ran to raise money for Demelza as they have had support by Demelza. Kerry Taylor, from Lancing, went along with her children - Beth, nine and five-year-old Barney - and other relatives for a fun day out with the family.

First over the finishing line was Felix Hazlewood, 13, from Brighton, closely followed by Nicole Bleasdale, 11, Ilse Saunders, 11 and Lexi Harker, 11, who are all members of Brighton and Hove Athletic Club.

Hayley Richardson, head of community and events at Demelza, said: “As a charity, Demelza is almost entirely dependent on the generosity of our supporters to provide the funds that keep our services going. We are so thankful to everyone who turned out at Bubble Rush Brighton and made this fundraising event such a brilliant day.”

To find out more about Demelza and its fundraising events, visit: www.demelza.org.uk