Solent Power Ltd has powered up Wessex Cancer Support’s (WCS) eagerly anticipated Rainbow Run event by providing a 30kVA generator free of charge.
Taking place on Sunday, 25 June at the Isle of Wight’s County Showground in Cowes, the fun-filled fundraiser was dubbed the UK’s ‘happiest’ 3k course, raising an impressive £26,000 for the charity.
Introducing an exciting new ‘video game’ theme for 2023, the Rainbow Run featured a hilarious slip’n’slide, live music, powder paint, and bubbles. More than 500 participants from across the Isle of Wight attended, with each guest bringing their own unique story of how cancer has touched their lives, creating a vibrant and supportive community united by a common cause.
Generating a unique way of helping
With more than 385,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in the UK each year – approx. 20,000 in the Wessex region – our decision to back this important event was an easy one.
Equipped with a van and the generator, which powered the event for the entire day, we sailed across the Solent to lend the vital equipment, free of charge
“Thanks to Solent Power sending a generator, we were able to have the event of our dreams,” said Laura Haytack, Regional Fundraising Manager for WCS Isle of Wight. “With the equipment, we could have a stage with a fabulous DJ to motivate our runners, food stalls, live bands, and a new entertainment village packed with activities and games.
Showcasing the very best of the Island’s musical talent, the entertainment village included live music from Ear Candy and Platform One band, The Bandits. Other beloved entertainers were also hosted throughout the day, including award-winning children’s entertainer and close up musician AJ. For little ones, Tracey’s Facepainting provided free face painting while Adam Art offered families their own hilarious personalised caricatures.
Laura added: “Rainbow Run has been one of our most cherished events on the Island, and we are always looking for fun and unique ways to fundraise within the community. While ticket sales help cover the event’s operational costs, it’s the generous sponsorships, like Solent Power providing the generator, that can make our events truly memorable.”
Forty years of support and trust
Formed in 1981 in a portacabin at The Royal South Hants Hospital, WCS, formerly Wessex Cancer Trust, initially focused on fundraising for major projects and research across the Wessex region. This included funding breast cancer nurses, ground-breaking research into pioneering treatments and numerous appeals for hospital wards and equipment.
In time, WCS was ready to expand, and began to deliver community-based services close to people’s homes. By 2023, the charity had provided more than 15,000 cancer support sessions and approximately 11,500 journeys on their Daisy Buses, which transports patients to and from their hospital appointments.
The charity also has four cancer support centres in Andover, Bournemouth, Chandler’s Ford and Newport (Isle of Wight). WCS also hosts weekly drop-in centres and offers online services so local people can access support in a way that suits them best.
“We had a brilliant time supporting the Rainbow Run. It was heartwarming to see everyone come together while supporting such an important charity,” said Paul Phelps, Managing Director of Solent Power. “The event felt like a beacon of hope and positivity for the community, and we were proud to help ensure it ran smoothly.” To find out more about Wessex Cancer Support, please visit: https://www.wessexcancer.org.uk/
