A Reading mother is urging families to sign up to take part in the town's first ever Bubble Rush in June.

Faith Mansfield, whose son Isaac is looked after by Helen and Douglas House - a charity that cares for terminally ill children and their families, spoke about the importance of the support her family had received.

"Without Helen and Douglas House we would probably have reached breaking point," she said.

"Emotionally it helps take the pressure of worrying about Isaac.

"We know Isaac is enjoying himself in a safe environment and the staff give him the best care, so it gives us the chance to go out and enjoy some much needed time off, or just to sleep if we want to."

Isaac, 5, has an undiagnosed life-shortening condition which causes development delay, meaning he suffers from poor sleep and epilepsy.

He has been visiting Helen and Douglas in Oxford since November 2015 for respite care.

The Bubble Rush is a new 5k frothy family fun run with a difference – thousands of multi-coloured bubbles.

With entry open to all ages, it’s up to participants whether they walk, run, or even toddle the family-friendly route.

Whichever people choose, they'll burst through four stations with cannons pumping bubbles up to four feet high, and get covered from head to toe in colourful, light, foamy bubbles.

The Reading Bubble Rush will take place at Prospect Park on Sunday, June 9.

People who register during February will receive their early bird discount on tickets.

Everyone taking part will receive a free t-shirt (except under 3s who are free) and a special Bubble Rush medal when they cross the finish line, all included in the entrance fee.

Anyone is also welcome to stay on afterwards to enjoy bubbly activities in the event village for a great morning of foamy fun.

The Bubble Rush mirrors the ethos of Helen and Douglas House by celebrating living life to the full and bringing smiles and laughter to everyone taking part.

Pushchairs and wheelchairs are more than welcome.

Faith added: "Isaac loves looking at the trees in the garden at Helen and Douglas House and really enjoys using the bubble machine.

"He always wants more bubbles!

"He’s so happy with the staff and has a great time using his walker there to explore the sensory room and common areas."

Hazel Bedford from Helen and Douglas House said: "By taking part in our Bubble Rush you will make a real difference to the lives of local terminally ill children and their families.

"It costs £3 million a year to run our hospice and provide our outreach nursing service to help families at home in the Reading area and we cannot do this without your help.

"The money raised at the Bubble Rush events this year in Reading and Oxford could pay for our sibling support programme for one year so that children facing the future without their brother or sister can come together play and discuss their feelings with others going through the same thing."

With the early bird discount, tickets are £17.50 for an adult, £12.50 for a child under 16, £3 for three to four year olds and free for under threes.

There is also a family ticket available for two adults and two children at £53.

To find out more go to www.hdh.org.uk or call 01865 799166.