Colour Dash will brighten Bluebell Wood coffers

The vibrant 5k event will return to Rother Valley Country Park on Saturday, April 29.

And the children’s hospice’s shop in Rotherham town centre will have its windows dressed from Monday (16) to promote the dash.

Events fundraiser Jo Berry said: “The middle of January can be a bit of a let-down. The holidays are over, our bank accounts are feeling the strain and the weather’s miserable.

“At Bluebell Wood we want to give you a reason to smile this Blue Monday by encouraging you to join the crowds at our annual colour dash.”

More than 8,000 people have walked, skipped, jogged or sprinted through the coloured paint stations since the first event in 2014.

Colour Dash tickets are £18 for adults, £9.50 for children and £49 for a family of four. Children under five can take part for free.

Team tickets are also available at £15 per person, with a minimum of eight adults. Free car parking on the day is offered with all ticket purchases. Visit colourdash.bluebellwood.org or call 01909 517365 to sign up.

“Blue Monday” — said to be the year’s most depressing day — was first publicised in a travel company press release in 2005.