A HOSPICE has launched a new family fun run which is set to feel chilly.

St Helena Hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses across north Essex, has created the Frosty 5k and staff launched the event at Invasion Colchester.

The event is set to take place on February 29 and to raise awareness, a large snowman cut-out was set up in Culver Square shopping centre.

The 5k fun run will be staged at Essex University and is suitable for all ages.

Participants will set off from a snowy start line before running through four winter- themed zones including fire, ice, fog and snow.

Each zone promises a different experience including inflatable waving snowmen in the snow zone, fake flames in the cosy cabin, six metres of icy smoke in the fog zone and an inflatable igloo in the ice zone.

A snow machine will send out a flurry of fake snow at the start line.

Lisa Chenery, St Helena Hospice’s events fundraiser, said: “We are really excited to add Frosty 5k to our events calendar for 2020.

“There aren’t that many winter-themed events around and this will be something new and different to get people outside during the colder weather, being active and having loads of fun, whilst supporting their local hospice.

“We hope this will be a huge hit with kids, families, teenagers, and groups of friends alike.

“It’s open to all ages so you really can bring the whole family along.

“Frosty is brought to us by Extreme Adventure, which created the Bubble Rush.”

The event will include a warm up and all participants will receive a medal at the end.

Registration is open with tickets available for children, adults, families, or groups.

Adult registration is £20 and child registration is £15.

All money from registration fees pays for St Helena Hospice to put on the event.

To sign visit sthelena.org.uk/frosty.