Galliford Try executive chairman Greg Fitzgerald was among the charity runners pelted with paint as they became the first traffic to travel along the £110 million new South Devon Highway being built by his construction company.
Galliford Try joined up with the South West region of its housebuilding arm, Linden Homes, to organise the Colour Road Rush on Saturday August 1st, which is anticipated to have raised £50,000 for the local Rowcroft Hospice.
The never-to-be-repeated event saw hundreds of people complete the 3km route along a specially designated stretch of the brand new road, while being blasted with neon-coloured, washable paint.
After the run, Greg Fitzgerald said: “What a fantastic day! It has been incredible to see so many people come together to celebrate the road that is about to change South Devon forever, and also to support Rowcroft Hospice, a local charity that is very close to my heart.”
Another runner, Theresa Phillips (49), from Kingsteignton, completed the neon route in memory of her father and said: “My dad was cared for at the hospice last year and we used to drive to and from appointments talking about the new road. He would have absolutely loved this!”
The Colour Road Rush built on the recent ‘Walk this Way’ community open day in which Galliford Try, Devon County Council and Torbay Council provided the public with a behind-the-scenes view of the road while celebrating the progress made to date.
Nigel Palmer, managing director for Linden Homes South West, said: “As part of the Galliford Try Group, we are delighted to have been part of this unique event. We contribute a huge amount to the area, in terms of homes and infrastructure, and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of this very colourful day and supporting a worthwhile local charity.”
Linden Homes is creating a number of new homes developments in the South West including: Paignton, Goodrington, Kingsteignton, Totnes, Exeter, Plymouth, Okehampton, Duporth, Truro, Penryn, Camborne and Redruth and Westward Ho!
Rowcroft Hospice chief executive, Giles Charnaud, said: “The Colour Road Rush marked an incredible day in South Devon’s history, it was wonderful to see so many people come together to support Rowcroft and also celebrate this remarkable feat of engineering, which has been anticipated for so many decades. We would like to thank all those who took part and volunteered at the Colour Road Rush for their incredible support.
“A big thank you also to those who have signed up to give a regular donation to Rowcroft, helping us to build a more sustainable future for the hospice, and to all those who have generously sponsored the fantastic people who have taken part in today’s momentous event. Every pound you donate really does make a huge difference and we are incredibly grateful for your support.”
Donations can be made to Rowcroft Hospice by visiting www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/regular-giving.
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For more information please visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk or contact Katherine Elliott, Senior Marketing & Communications Officer on (01803) 210 866 or email katherine.elliott@rowcroft-hospice.org.uk.
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