There’s something uniquely uplifting about seeing people come together — not for recognition or reward, but simply because they care.

That’s why, this August, a number of us at Hildon will be doing something messy, joyful and entirely worthwhile: taking part in the Hampshire Hospitals Charity Colour Run.

It’s not the sort of thing that sits quietly in the background. It’s a loud, colourful, 5K blur of families, friends, colleagues, and volunteers — all united by the shared intention to do something good.

We’re proud to be sponsoring the event again this year, not just because it’s fun (and it is), but because the cause matters. Hampshire Hospitals Charity exists to make things better — for patients, for staff, and for every person who walks through hospital doors at a time they probably didn’t expect to. Whether it’s funding a new piece of equipment or simply bringing a little light into a difficult day, their work is the quiet kind of life-changing. The sort that doesn’t always make headlines but should.

And so, this year, Jonathan, our quietly competitive Finance Manager, and Adrian, our endlessly energetic Sales and Export Manager, will be swapping spreadsheets for sweatbands and joining the throng of runners. Meanwhile, the rest of us will be stationed on the course, joyfully flinging Hildon blue paint at anyone brave enough to pass. 

There’s something beautifully liberating about throwing powder paint at strangers — perhaps because it levels everyone. You don’t know whether the person in front of you is a surgeon, a student or someone who’s just finished chemo. All you know is that they showed up. And you get to mark that — quite literally — with a burst of colour.

And then, on Sunday, we shift gears slightly. The Trout ‘n About festival in Stockbridge is a different kind of celebration: one of flavour, craft, and community. But just like the Colour Run, it’s built on connection. We’ll be there with our stall, and this time, every penny of profit we make will be split between HHC and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust — because our natural world, like our hospitals, needs care and commitment to thrive.

So yes — it’ll be a weekend of running and throwing and talking and tasting. It’ll be loud. And busy. And we’ll probably all forget to drink enough water (ironic, we know). But at the heart of it is something very simple: a belief that small actions — like turning up, giving your time, throwing some paint — can add up to something bigger.

And if you happen to spot a few blue-splattered people grinning through the chaos… that’s probably us.

See you there?