Last updated at 16:33, Wednesday, 20 March 2013

A TOWN park will be turned purple this Easter for a fun event in honour of the late Alice Pyne.

THE COLOUR PURPLE Barrow Park runners dress appropriately to promote the Purple Parkrun, which takes place March 30 in memory of Alice Pyne, inset

Every Saturday from 9am the parkrun takes place in Barrow Park. It is a national scheme for people to take part in a free weekly timed 5km run, jog, or walk.

One of the regular runners, Ali Baxter, suggested to the organisers that there should be a Purple Parkrun in tribute to inspirational Alice, who died aged 17, in January, after fighting Hodgkins lymphoma for more than five years.

Purple was the colour chosen by Alice for her charity, Alice’s Escapes, and Team Alice, her charity challengers. A number of Team Alice members use the parkrun for their training.

Purple parkrun will see people don their purple clothing, and some of Alice’s family are set to attend.

Donna Speirs, volunteer co-ordinator for Barrow parkrun, said: “We are expecting quite a turnout as we have a regular attendance of almost 100 people of all shapes, ages and abilities anyway.

“It would be great fun if people wore purple T-shirts, trainers, wigs, face paint or whatever they may have especially for the occasion but no obligation whatsoever, although I’m sure many will already have some ‘Alice’s Escapes’ attire.”

Mrs Speirs said it is not a competition and all walkers, joggers, runners are welcome.

There will be a discreet collection for Alice’s Escapes, a charity which provides holidays for seriously ill children and their families, but it is a free event.

Participants are invited to meet at the bandstand from 8.30am.

People are asked to visit www.parkrun.org.uk/register/ to register for the event. They are welcome to take part without a barcode but will not receive an official time.

Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult throughout the run.

First published at 16:14, Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk