HUNDREDS of sporty fundraisers descended on Conwy’s RSPB reserve and lighted up the night sky with glowsticks. 

Hope House and Tŷ Gobaith children’s hospices held their first Dark Run Conwy on Saturday, October 22.

North Wales Pioneer: Getting ready on the start line. Picture: Hope House Tŷ GobaithGetting ready on the start line. Picture: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

The event, which saw brightly dressed entrants run, walk, push or dance their way along the scenic coast path of Conwy towards the famous castle, was hailed a great success; the event had sold out weeks in advance and more than £6,500 was raised for the charity.

North Wales Pioneer: The Evans brothers from Llandudno. Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithThe Evans brothers from Llandudno. Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

Volunteer marshals lined the route and a DJ pumped out music to keep people going along the 5km route.

North Wales Pioneer: Competitors with their medals. Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithCompetitors with their medals. Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

As dusk fell, competitors were warmed up by a fitness professional and headed down to the start line for the hooter to sound at 6.30pm.

The event was officially started by the Lovelady family from Colwyn Bay who access care and respite services for their son Alfie at Tŷ Gobaith.

North Wales Pioneer: The Lovelady family of Colwyn Bay with wider family members. Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithThe Lovelady family of Colwyn Bay with wider family members. Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

Colin Lovelady, Alfie's father, said: "We just want to thank everybody for coming tonight and making it such a special occasion and supporting the hospices, who really are amazing.”

North Wales Pioneer: Season Greetings from these two pumpkins! Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithSeason Greetings from these two pumpkins! Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

Vanessa Marubbi, event fundraiser, said: "Wow, what a wonderful first event we had in Conwy.

“We are so grateful to all our supporters and sponsors who made this not only a great event for our hospices but also for the whole community to enjoy.

North Wales Pioneer: Pirates and prisoners. Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithPirates and prisoners. Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

“It was a real spectacle to see all the neon and smiling faces.

“We are already looking forward to another great event in 2023.”

North Wales Pioneer: Staff from the RSPB Conwy getting into the swing of things. Image: Hope House Tŷ GobaithStaff from the RSPB Conwy getting into the swing of things. Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith (Image: Hope House Tŷ Gobaith)

Sponsorships and donations are still rolling in.

Anyone who hasn't had a chance to donate their sponsorship money yet can do at www.hopehouse.org.uk/donate