By ALENA HIGGINS
VISITORS can don their running shoes this Valentine’s Day and literally run through a rainbow of colour to help raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Local Stanthorpe girl Kayla Jordan is participating in JDRF’s fundraising campaign Jump to Cure Diabetes in a bid to stamp out the condition.
Ms Jordan is passionate about raising funds towards a cure because her two-year-old nephew, CJ, was diagnosed with type one diabetes about 12 months ago.
“‘Of course he doesn’t really understand his diagnosis, to him it’s just a part of life,” she said.
“CJ takes his finger pricks and insulin shots with the most courage a little boy can possibly give.
“I am in the fight against diabetes with the hope to one day cure this beautiful, brave little boy.”
Ms Jordan has organised a fun run called Colour for a Cure where participants run through colour stations that are positioned along Quart Pot Creek.
The concept originated in India as a spring festival called Holi and has now become popular all over the world.
“You have two choices at Colour for a Cure – you can be a runner or a thrower,” Ms Jordan said.
“Runners have the choice of running or walking 2.5km ($15) or 5km ($25) along Quart Pot Creek. “The aim of the day is for the runners to run through the colour stations that are positioned along the creek, where the throwers will be throwing coloured powder.
“The objective is to run from start to finish and get coated in as much colour as possible.”
All registered runners will receive a T-shirt to wear for the run or those who prefer to do the throwing can choose from 12 colour stations along Quart Pot Creek, purchase as many cups of colour as they wish and start showering the runners with eye-popping shades.
“Don’t worry, the colour won’t do any damage,” Ms Jordan said.
“It is simply cornflour and food colouring so it is 100 per cent safe for the environment and won’t do any harm to the runners.”
Local identities, including Mayor Peter Blundell and MP Lawrence Springborg have already enlisted.
A barbecue and activities in Weerona Park will follow the run which is on 14 February from 8am.
Head to www.facebook.com/ColourForACureForCJ to find out more information.
To register as a runner go to the Colour for a Cure Facebook page or fill out a registration form at Print n Copy Stanthorpe.
