A DAD and his daughters are preparing to get covered in paint and gunge in support of the hospice caring for their family.

Carl, Amber and Ayrah Ives, from Littleworth, near Worcester, were inspired to sign-up to “do something positive” for St Richard’s which is caring for their mum, Michelle, who has skin cancer – and is supporting the whole family with counselling.

The family are set to take on the St Richard’s Hospice Messy Madness fun run this Saturday, July 27th.

Mr Ives, aged 47, said: “Ayrah did some mindfulness at school and declared she felt helpless with regard to mum’s illness. We chatted and decided to do some fundraising as a way of tackling that feeling.

“It is the same for all of us. You feel so powerless watching someone you love being ill – but doing something positive to help others in a similar situation makes you feel a bit more empowered and helps with dealing with the emotions.”

The trio will challenge themselves to complete the 5k course at Churchfields Farm, Droitwich, and have already raised more than £1,000.

Mrs Ives has attended art therapy, complementary therapy and t’ai chi sessions as part of her St Richard’s care.

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She has also received individual counselling and couples counselling with her husband, provided by the hospice’s Family Support Team.

Amber, 11, and Ayrah, eight, have both been given individual and joint support, along with counselling and have attended the Waterbugs pre-bereavement support group with their dad.