A PENSIONER is ready to put on her running shoes for a colourful 5k event to raise funds for disabled children.

Sheila Wright, 74, supports the HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust charity which offers holidays to Lourdes for disadvantaged people.

Each year Sheila helps organise the trip to take several children with special needs to the French destination for a week over Easter.

The group has up to eight children, at the same time that around 4,000 disadvantaged people make the journey across the country thanks to HCPT.

“Over the past few years have taken children from St Helens,” explains Sheila, from Sutton Manor.

“HCPT groups from all over the country go at the same time and we combine with them together while also doing some individual things in our group."

To raise funds, Sheila is taking on the 5k Run or Dye Challenge at Aintree racecourse this Saturday.

Runners are showered with powdered dye at every kilometre, turning them into a kaleidoscope of colour.

“As it’s my 75th birthday a month after the event I’ve asked family to sponsor me for the price of a card.”

The grandmother-of -12 is taking part in the race alongside daughter Julie, who is travelling up from Cornwall to take part in the run, along with fellow HCPT helpers Jonny Lewis, Lydia Beckett and Siobhan and Helen Quinn.

To sponsor Sheila visit justgiving.com/HCPTGroup153/ or alternatively text LRDS53 followed by the amount you wish to donate to 70070.