Vicarage Road Stadium hosts Step Up for Health event!
Runners, climbers and walkers raised over £8,000 for West Herts Hospitals Charity and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust – after taking part in an epic stair climbing challenge at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The event saw participants running and walking their way up and down the stands of the 20,000-plus seater stadium to raise vital funds for West Herts Hospitals Charity and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust.
Watford FC’s goalkeeper – and new ambassador for the hospital charity – Daniel Bachman cheered on from the sidelines as around 150 participants took part in the challenge, which included a shorter route option too!
The first to cross the finish line in the under-18s category was 8 year old Leo from Dunstable. Leo’s mum Tara said,
“We are extremely proud of Leo winning the Step Up challenge and raising money for a good cause, that will benefit the local community.”
Mima Moore, 23 from Watford won the adults’ challenge. Mima said,
“I didn’t expect to win as I only signed up on the day but it was a fantastic feeling when I completed the challenge and crossed the finish in first place. Plus, Dan Bachmann was there to greet me at the finish line so that was an added bonus!”
West Herts Hospitals Charity CEO, Alison Rosen, CEO said: “I am delighted so many people came along to support both West Herts Hospitals Charity and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust. The energy and enthusiasm from everyone, including the children, was incredible. It’s so great to see our local community come together.
“Huge thanks to our sponsors and to our ambassador Daniel Bachmann for opening the event and cheering on all our participants all morning. I personally joined the Step Up challenge with my daughter and grandson, and it was a lovely surprise when my daughter Mima won the adults’ race!”
The event was supported by AMYA UK – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.
Special prizes were awarded to the first ten participants to cross the finish line and the top 10 fundraisers. Winners received “Watford Forever,” The Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year, detailing Elton John’s ownership of Watford Football Club and its rise to the top of the first division under manager Graham Taylor. Top fundraisers were also treated to a tour of the dressing room.
The event was sponsored by Anytime Fitness clubs in Croxley Park and Bushey, and CMR Surgical, a supplier of surgical robots to the Trust, highlighting their commitment to promoting health and wellbeing within the community. The Anytime Fitness team hosted a warm-up session at the stadium before the challenge began.
Participants received goody bags with gym passes from Anytime Fitness, products from Lush in Watford, and more. Local supermarkets, including Morrisons in Watford, Tesco’s in Rickmansworth and Maylands, Tesco Extra in Watford and Watford ASDA donated water and cereal bars for the participants.
For more information on future Trust events, visit our website.
