Over 60,000 local school children take on Colour Dash to raise funds for local charity
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Schools across Leicestershire and the East Midlands unite to raise vital funds to support children facing poverty and hardship.
Leicestershire, UK - Friday 22 May 2026 - More than 60,000 children from 230 schools across Leicestershire and the East Midlands are taking part in Lifting Children’s Hopes’ (LCH Charity’s) annual Colour Dash, transforming playgrounds and sports fields into bright bursts of colour while fundraising to help local children and young people affected by poverty.
30,000 of those children, at 112 local schools, will all be taking part in their Colour Dash events on the same day at the same time, on Friday 22nd May 2026. 10,000 children across 32 schools have already had their “Dash”, with a further 20,000 pupils from 74 local schools still looking forward to their event om Friday 12th June.
The Colour Dash is a fun, inclusive sponsored run or walk held in schools during the last hour of the school day, where pupils complete a short course while being showered with colourful powder paint and bubbles by staff and volunteers.
With every participant encouraged to get involved, the event helps schools build community spirit while raising money for LCH Charity’s programmes that provide essential items, such as coats, gloves and scarves in winter, hygiene products, wellbeing support and enriching experiences for children who would otherwise miss out.
Date: Friday 22 May 2026 and Friday 12th June 2026
Total Participants: 60,000+ children
Schools: 320 primary and secondary schools
Where: School sites across the East Midlands
Why: To fundraise for LCH Charity’s work supporting children and families experiencing hardship
“The Colour Dash is a brilliant example of what happens when schools, families and communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Nichola Moore, CEO of LCH Charity. “Seeing more than 60,000 children from 230 schools taking part across the region is truly inspiring. Every splash of colour represents real, vital support for local children - whether that’s essentials at home, access to activities, or opportunities that help them flourish.”
“We’re so proud to have more schools than ever taking part this year. All funds raised through the Colour Dash help us deliver support through our partner schools and community networks - from providing basic hygiene products and wellbeing support to helping children access short breaks and enriching activities.”
She continued; “With many families facing increasing pressure from the cost of living, too many children are going without the basics and missing out on experiences that support confidence, learning and wellbeing.
The money raised through Colour Dash will be invested locally, helping LCH Charity continue and expand its support to children and young people who need it most.
How to support: People can sponsor participating pupils through their school fundraising pages or make a donation directly to LCH Charity on the website:www.lchcharity.co.uk.
Where eligible, adding Gift Aid increases the value of donations at no extra cost to the donor.
Supporters are encouraged to include the school name and child’s initials (if applicable) with their donation so it can be allocated correctly.
About LCH Charity
Lifting Children’s Hopes (also known as LCH Charity) supports disadvantaged children and young people across Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Working with schools and community partners, the charity delivers a range of programmes designed to provide essentials, improve wellbeing and increase access to positive experiences - helping children to flourish and creating lasting memories.
The charity has been going in Leicester for over 120 years. Previously known as the Mablethorpe Charity, then becoming Leicester Children’s Holidays, before recently changing its name to Lifting Children’s Hopes to reflect the range of provision the organisation now offers.
Comments