Northern Ireland Hospice launches giant ‘Purple Dash’ drive to help keep children’s care going

Miss NI Carly Wilson (bottom right) recently joined NI Hospice staff to launch Purple Dash

Northern Ireland Hospice is calling on families across Northern Ireland to “dash for a cause” this June as the charity launches a major public campaign to celebrate 25 years of Children’s Hospice care — while also confronting the harsh financial reality facing one of the region’s most vital services.

The charity is turning the entire month purple as part of a large-scale awareness and fundraising drive, culminating in a brand-new family-friendly 5K Colour Dash at Titanic Slipways in Belfast on Saturday June 27, 2026.

Behind the colour, entertainment and celebrations, however, sits a stark challenge. Northern Ireland Hospice says it must raise millions of pounds every year from the public simply to maintain current services for babies, children and adults living with life-limiting conditions across Northern Ireland.

The Purple Dash aims to raise £150,000 to help fund specialist nursing care, family support, symptom management, short breaks and vital respite services for local children and their families.

A colourful celebration with a serious purpose

NI Hospice Fundraisers Julie Martin and Kelly Roulston at the launch of NI Hospice’s new Purple Dash event

The event marks 25 years since the opening of Horizon House, Northern Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice facility, and organisers hope thousands of people will take part in what is being billed as one of the charity’s biggest public events in recent years.

Participants can run, jog or walk the accessible 5K route while being covered in clouds of colourful powder along the way.

The day will also feature:

• Live entertainment from local radio stations

• Inflatables and family activities

• Food and craft stalls

• Character and superhero appearances

• Wheelchair-accessible participation routes

The event has secured support from Paralympic gold medal-winning runner and NI Children’s Hospice Ambassador Michael McKillop and Miss Northern Ireland Carly Wilson.

NI Hospice Community Fundraiser David Dixon with Miss Northern Ireland Carly Wilson

McKillop said the event is designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone.

“You can run the Purple Dash, walk it, or take your time and enjoy it, but it’s all about getting involved, having a laugh, and doing something meaningful,” he said.

“Every step helps support local babies, children and families when they need it most.”

He added that some of the Hospice’s “Little Stars” and their families are expected to take part alongside supporters from across Northern Ireland.

“With colour, laughter and entertainment throughout the day, it promises to be a fantastic family event,” he said.

Hospice facing growing financial pressure

While the campaign is designed to celebrate a milestone year for Children’s Hospice services, Northern Ireland Hospice also used the launch to highlight the growing financial pressures affecting frontline care.

Conal Duffy, Chief Income Officer for Northern Ireland Hospice, said the £150,000 target represents only a small portion of what is needed annually to sustain services.

“It costs over £5.26 million each year to operate the Children’s Hospice service, with only 38.5% funded by government,” he said.

“That leaves Hospice needing to raise £3.23 million annually from the local community simply to maintain current services, including operating just six of the ten available beds at Horizon House.”

The charity says rising operational costs linked to the cost-of-living crisis continue to place enormous strain on services, including increases in energy bills, clinical supplies, insurance, catering and security costs.

Overall, Northern Ireland Hospice required £19.5 million to deliver its services during 2024/25.

Thousands of families supported across Northern Ireland

Miss NI Carly Wilson (centre) recently joined NI Hospice staff to launch Purple Dash

Northern Ireland Hospice provides specialist palliative care for more than 4,000 babies, children and adults every year.

While many people associate Hospice care with inpatient facilities, the majority of services are delivered directly in people’s homes across Northern Ireland.

More than 90% of Hospice care is now provided through seven specialist community teams operating across towns, villages and rural communities.

In 2024/25 alone:

• 3,364 patients and families received community-based support

• Specialist nurses carried out 13,433 home visits

• More than 333 babies and children received care and support

• 237 admissions were recorded at Somerton House adult inpatient unit

The charity says support extends far beyond medical care, helping parents, siblings, grandparents and wider families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Northern Ireland Hospice currently operates:

• Somerton House adult inpatient unit, opened in 1981

• Horizon House children’s inpatient unit, opened in 2001

• 28 retail shops across Northern Ireland

• A volunteer network of around 700 people

Communities urged to get involved

Hospice leaders say public support remains essential if services are to continue at current levels, particularly as demand for specialist palliative care continues to grow.

The Purple Dash forms part of a wider month-long awareness campaign throughout June, which will also include Children’s Hospice Week activities and street collections across Northern Ireland.

People interested in taking part in the Purple Dash can register online at nihospice.org/dash.

As Northern Ireland Hospice marks 25 years of Children’s Hospice care, organisers hope the event will not only celebrate the families already supported, but also help secure the future of services many families may one day rely on themselves.