Runners were glowing before they crossed the starting line in a night-time neon fun run organised by the Brunel Volunteers to help buy virtual reality kits for patients at Harefield Hospital

Harefield supporters and Brunel students decorated themselves in neon body paint and wore glow sticks for the dash around Brunel’s Uxbridge campus. An after party to celebrate the Holi festival at the student nightclub awaited those who still had some energy.

A pilot event for the Charity, the night proved very popular with the students we spoke to, so much so that Brunel Volunteers hope to repeat the event during Freshers’ Week later this year.

An awesome time

“I had awesome time at the run,” said Harry Hawks, a Brunel University student. “I thought it was really well organised and the atmosphere was phenomenal. Our ‘Ultimate Frisbee’ team decided to take part as a social event instead of drinking. It got a few people involved who don't usually come out and we found it was a great way as a team to do something for charity.”

It gave me great chance to bond more with my (Ultimate Frisbee) teammates, in a fun environment, while doing something good for the community

Another student who took part was Will Thomas, who won the best dressed competition. He said: "I really enjoyed the evening because it gave me great chance to bond more with my (Ultimate Frisbee) teammates, in a fun environment, while doing something good for the community."

Virtual reality kits

Participants raised over £1,000 to support our Charity in raising much-needed funds, which will go directly towards an innovative virtual reality project to create high fidelity, 360 degree films showing a patient’s journey through the hospital.

Patients awaiting operations will be able to watch the videos of the intensive care unit, surgical theatres and other parts of the hospital on headsets at home before admission.

It will help to familiarise them to their surroundings following their procedure – knowing what’s in store lowers stress and worry, which can boost recovery.

“This is an excellent cause to support and we have enjoyed co-ordinating this event,” said Brunel Volunteers manager, Nancy Rawlings. “The hospital provides an amazing service and everyone had a lot of fun taking part.”

Joining forces

Joe Dunster, Community & Events Fundraising Manager at Harefield Hospital, said: “We are delighted to join forces and forge an on-going partnership with Brunel Volunteers. The Neon Night Run is a great way of getting students and staff to fundraise for their local charity. Not only does the event help raise valuable funds, it also allows us to raise awareness of the Hospitals Trust, and the specialist heart and lung services they provide.”

Here are some of our favourite pictures from the evening: