The sun shone as over 250 runners, walkers, families with pushchairs and pets headed out of Bishop Rawstorne High School, Croston, Lancashire at the annual Rainbow House Ramble on Saturday.

The starting ribbon was cut by Safaa Masters from Preston, the nine-year-old attends Rainbow House after cancer of her spine left her with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome - a rare condition affecting physical and general development.

Conductive education has helped her learn to walk independently and she álso went on stage to thank everyone who came to take part in the Ramble; within minutes of the start the Lancashire countryside was full of people in fancy dress with themes including jesters, smurfs and lots of purple being worn to raise awareness of the Cornelia de lange syndrome.

This is a very rare genetic disorder present from birth, but not always diagnosed at birth, which causes a range of physical, cognitive, and medical challenges - two children with the syndrome and attend Rainbow House took part, with
their families, in the Ramble.

Helen Cheston from Parbold was first across the line on the five mile route in 51 minutes 30 seconds, closely followed by Gareth Fairclough from Whitestake in 51 minutes 40 seconds. Gareth was also from Goldseal, one of the companies supporting the Ramble.

And Martin Lunt from Eccleston was first across the line on the 11 mile route which he completed in 1 hour 40 minutes ; the youngest participant was six month old Ruadhan Long who went round the 5 mile route with his parents Eoin and Stacy.

Live music was provided by Two Notes as everyone warmed up before the start and Jonathan Knowles, who has cerebral palsy and has been attending conductive education for 10 years, was the DJ and kept the fun atmosphere going.

Ben Blackman Chief Executive, Rainbow House, told QLocal this morning: "The Rainbow Ramble is one of the highlights of the year and we can’t thank everyone enough for taking part with special thanks to our supporters Goldseal, Trust Inns and Morrow Brothers Ltd.

"We will not know the amount raised until all the sponsorship comes in but it is hoped it will be over £20,000!”

Marshalls along the route and first aid cover were provided by North West Event Medical Solution, Chorley.