Family are taking on the Derby Bubble Rush in aid of Rainbows.

The family of a six-year-old boy who lost his battle to brain cancer in December are taking on the Derby Bubble Rush in aid of Rainbows.

Ari Rainford, of Derbyshire, and his family had visited Rainbows during his illness. After he passed away, Ari’s family brought him back a special bedroom in our Bereavement Suite where we continued to provide support to his family in the difficult process of saying goodbye. Team Ari, set up “in memory of a beautiful brave boy”, is made up of family friends from all around the East Midlands area, including staff from Ari’s school, Ridgeway Infant School.

“Ari was an absolute inspiration,” said his mum Gabrielle, who is part of Team Ari along with her daughter Jacy-Meadow. “He battled through, never moaning and always kept his sense of humour right until the end. We all want to do him proud by all joining together and being one big team raising as much money as possible.

“Ari had such a caring nature, I’m certain he would be proud of what we are trying to achieve in his memory. We want to spread the word about what an amazing service is offered by Rainbows to children like our Ari and their families. Rainbows has been there for us and now too, in our hour of need, as a grieving family.”

The Bubble Rush, a sponsored event, takes place on Saturday 24 September.  Participants will take on a 5k run through walls of colourful bubble stations along the route. Team member Ellie Matthews, of Alvaston, was Ari’s cousin. She expects more people to join the team on the day. She added: “We wanted to do something in memory of Ari for Rainbows. Everyone at Rainbows was so amazing in caring for Ari and we want to say thank you and give something back.

“Ari was so funny. He had a great sense of humour, so it is quite fitting that the Bubble Rush will be a lot of fun. Ari always made you laugh. Whether it was before he was ill or when he was really, really poorly, he would always find a way to make you laugh.

“I would just like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in Team Ari so far in any way possible. We can’t wait until we see you all on the day of the event where we can go out and raise lots more awareness and lots of money for Rainbows.”

We hope the event will raise a total income of £30,000 for us. The route is wheelchair, pushchair and child friendly. There will be live entertainment throughout the day.

Victoria Brunt, Events Coordinator at Rainbows, added: “We would like to thank Team Ari for signing up to the event and raising funds in Ari’s memory. We hope their story inspires others to take part, raise sponsorship, and help children like Ari and their families.”

Entry is £25 for over 16s, £7.50 for under 16s and under 3s go free. For more information, visit www.rainbows.co.uk/bubble To sponsor Team Ari, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/teamari To visit Team Ari’s Facebook page visit www.facebook.com/fightforAri/ To join our Facebook page for updates, click here: www.facebook.com/events/229447610769641