A spectacular rainbow of colour descended on Exmouth beach this weekend for the town’s first sponsored Colour Bomb event.

Almost 200 people of all ages took part in the event which was organised as part of our drive to hit our £250,000 fundraising appeal target to fund the build and fit out of the new Deaf Academy.

Participants ran, jogged and walked the 4k distance, which took them through a series of explosive colour bomb paint stations. There was also a mini family festival in Queens Drive Space with entertainment and live music.

Shelley, who ran with her daughter Lottie, 13, said:

‘It was a fantastic day with an amazing family-friendly atmosphere – we loved the run along the beach and the festival afterwards. My daughter and I will definitely be doing the Colour Bomb again next year, and will be recommending it to all our friends.’

Our fundraising appeal manager Sarah said: ‘This was the first time we’ve staged an event like this. We’d like to thank all of our fun runners who took part so enthusiastically which made it the most amazing, fun experience for everyone taking part. The paint throwers did a great job – as demonstrated by the many people covered from head to toe in paint.

‘This was a fun event, but it was raising money for an important cause, the provision of a modern facility where young deaf people can learn and thrive. We’d like to thank all of our supporters for helping us to make this a reality, especially LED Leisure and LM Events, and our sponsors Towergate Estates.’

“The new school will have improved rooms, better access and is designed for signing – more space and tables laid out so we can see each other and communicate. It feels like everything will be possible there”. Student.

With only nine months to go until the opening of the new Academy you can still get involved and help to support the Appeal. From taking part in a walking challenge to organising a cake bake, running a sweepstake or taking on our Santa Sizzle Firewalk in December, there are lots of ways to help. For more information visit our website newdeafacademy.org.uk or email the fundraising team at fundraising@exeterdeafacademy.ac.uk