A LARGER than life fund-raiser will head to Worcester to support the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust at the Worcester City 10K.
Colin Burgin-Plews, better known as Big Pink Dress, will take part in this year’s event on September 15 to raise money for the cause.
The Pride of Britain nominee from the North East, will tackle the city’s own 10K while wearing a huge ladybird-themed dress that he has made himself.
He has become better known in his native South Shields as Big Pink Dress, since he started participating in races while wearing his home-made creations.
“This will be my first trip to Worcester and I’m really excited about it,” he said.
“I’ve heard that it’s a really special occasion and it will be a privilege to wear the ladybird dress that I’m making and support the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.”
At well over six feet tall even before he dons his famous dresses, Colin stands out from the crowds around him whenever he takes part in a run to support one or more of his chosen charities.
He has become a very visible and popular figure at races in recent years, including the iconic Great North Run and London Marathon.
Colin makes a special dress and headgear for each event, to represent the main charity that he is supporting during a run, with each costume weighing between two and three stones and taking his height to over seven and a half feet.
In recent years, Big Pink Dress has taken part in most of the races organised by Steve Cram and his Events of the North team.
When Steve introduced Colin to Jennifer Kelly, he very quickly committed to a trip south for the Air Products Worcester City 10K to support the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.
The trust was founded by Jennifer in memory of her four-year-old daughter Grace and works to raise awareness, fund research into rare cancers of childhood, produce educational material, and provide support to families of children with cancer. The trust’s symbol is a ladybird, which will be the theme of the latest Big Pink Dress creation.
Jennifer Kelly said: “We are delighted to already have a team of almost 40 runners so far, including Colin and Grace’s grandfather, Chris Britt- Compton.
“It will be amazing to see a sea of runners in orange and purple and so many ladybirds out on the route as well. We still have a few places left so are keen to hear from potential fund-raisers if they would like to join us. Both runners and walkers are very much welcome.
“Worcester is Grace’s hometown so it will be so special to see so many people out supporting the charity. If you’re there on the day, please do come and say hello to us at our stand and keep an eye out for Colin and all our other ladybirds on route. We are so grateful to them all for their amazing support.”
Visit www.worcestercityrun.com for more.
