MORE than 1,500 people put on their running shoes for the last ever Splash Dash in aid of Claire House.

They ran through Sefton Park and got covered in paint during the event on Saturday.

The run has been held in Sefton Park since 2013. In the last seven years, more than 12,000 people have taken part, raising over £400,000 for the children's hospice.

Claire House first decided the organise the event to highlight exactly what the hospice is all about – fun, laughter and living life to the full.

Since the first Splash Dash was held in Sefton Park in 2013, there has been an 84% increase in the number of children coming to Claire House.

Event manager Mark Pearson said: "Claire House Children's Hospice is looking after more babies and children than ever before in our local community so we need more money than ever before to support this.

"The Splash Dash has been our flagship event for seven years and has been hugely successful.

"It has been incredible to see thousands of people take part over the years, having messy fun with their family and friends while raising vital money for their local children's hospice.

"Ultimately, though, the best thing has been the families that we care for getting involved – each paint station on the route is looked after by a local family that has lost a child, with the colour they represent being very important to them.

"While it is the right time to end the Splash Dash, we really need the local community to continue to support Claire House in any way that they can."

To find out more about Claire House and how to support the charity visit www.clairehouse.org.uk.