Deafblind UK is celebrating the huge success of its very first Rainbow Run, which took place at Ferry Meadows, Nene Park in Peterborough on Sunday 9 September 2025. More than 350 runners, walkers and families took part in the colourful 3km and 5km routes, raising vital funds to support people living with sight and hearing loss.
The family-friendly event brought together people of all ages and abilities, with participants showered in brightly coloured powder paint as they made their way around the course. From start to finish, the atmosphere was filled with energy, laughter and community spirit, as supporters came together for a cause close to many hearts. It proved to be a fantastic day out for local families, with children and adults alike enjoying the fun and vibrant experience.
Accessibility was at the heart of the event, with British Sign Language interpreters, lipspeakers and trained guides on hand to ensure that everyone could take part and enjoy the day. It was a true celebration of inclusion and togetherness.
Rob Grew, Fundraising Manager at Deafblind UK, told us:
“It was fantastic to see so many people coming together to have a great time and raise over £13,000 to support the deafblind community, with sponsorship still being counted. The day was a celebration of deafblind inclusivity from start to finish, with many of our deafblind members either taking part in the run, or volunteering alongside event staff to make the day a big success.”
Deafblind UK Sensory Support Officer Louise Goldsmith and her hearing dog Pippin were amongst the hundreds of supporters getting covered in colour and shared:
“I loved it! The event was really enjoyable; especially being made into a human rainbow! I’m already saving my shirt for next year!”
Funds raised from the Rainbow Run will go directly towards Deafblind UK’s work to support people with sight and hearing loss across the country. The charity provides a wide range of services including practical advice, emotional support, technology help, and social activities designed to help people with dual sensory loss live life to the fullest.
Here in Peterborough, Deafblind UK also provides specialist housing at Rainbow Court, an assisted living facility designed specifically for people with sight and hearing loss. This local service offers a safe, supportive environment where residents can live independently with the right level of care on hand.
The success of this first event has already sparked excitement for the future. Deafblind UK is planning for the Rainbow Run to become a much-loved annual fixture in charity’s calendar, growing bigger and brighter each year.
The event couldn’t have raised the amount it did without the sponsorship of headline sponsor Caterpillar, and colour station sponsors Finning, and Pegasus Performing Arts.
