This summer, Northern Ireland Hospice is turning the month of June entirely purple – the charity’s iconic colour branding – to celebrate 25 years of Children’s Hospice.

June will see a month of awareness-raising activities, including the UK-wide Children’s Hospice Week initiative, and street collections, capped off by something brand new… a fun, family-friendly 5K Colour Dash, at Titanic Slipways on Saturday 27th June 2026.

The local palliative care charity is inviting families, friends and supporters from across Northern Ireland to ‘dash for a cause’ by taking part in the colourful celebration to mark the very special 25-year milestone.

The Colour Dash event has the backing of Paralympian runner Michael McKillop, who is an Ambassador for NI Children’s Hospice, and Miss Northern Ireland Carly Wilson.

Four-time gold medal winner Michael McKillop said: “You can run the Purple Dash, walk it, or take your time and enjoy it, but it’s all about getting involved, having a laugh, and doing something meaningful. Every step helps support local babies, children and families when they need it most.

“The Purple Dash will be a fun and vibrant celebration of the amazing children and families supported by the Hospice every single day. The 5k route will be wheelchair accessible, so I’m looking forward to being joined by some of the Little Stars themselves and their families. Whether you choose to run, jog, walk or dance your way around the course, everyone is welcome to take part and enjoy the day together.

“There will also be plenty happening off the course too, with live entertainment from local radio, inflatables for kids, a buzzing market of food and craft stalls, and even special appearances from favourite characters and superheroes. With colour, laughter and entertainment throughout the day, it promises to be a fantastic family event. Hospice is hitting a purple patch and it’s going to be a great day!”

Conal Duffy, NI Hospice’s Chief Income Officer, said: “While the event promises plenty of fun, it also has an important goal to raise £150,000 towards funding specialist nursing, family support, short breaks, symptom management and precious moments of joy for local children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

“While this funding target will make a vital difference, it represents just a fraction of the true cost of running Children’s Hospice services. It costs approximately £5.3 million each year to operate the service, with only 38.5% funded by government. This leaves Hospice needing to raise £3.26 million annually from the local community simply to maintain current services, including operating just six of the ten available beds at Horizon House.

“So we really hope the amazing people here will continue to show their fabulous support for Hospice, by now signing up to join us at our Purple Dash event in June.”

Sign up today at nihospice.org/dash.

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