WatfordFCStarsOutForTheTaylorTrek2024

On Sunday 13th October charity staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries were joined by a host of supporters, families, and, Watford FC legends and academy players to take on the third Taylor Trek – a charity walk around Watford and surrounding areas, starting and ending at Vicarage Road Stadium. As well as the buzz of positivity surrounding the event, the Taylor Trek 2024, sponsored by Mercer & Hole and Abbey Roofing, raised a fantastic amount of awareness and funds for two local charities, Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust, and Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care. Final totals are still being worked on, for now you can add to the running total by clicking HERE.

This fundraising event was created in memory of Watford FC’s greatest-ever manager Graham Taylor OBE, who was also patron of both the benefitting charities. Graham has also been credited as the man who drove the family and community values of Watford FC, alongside then-Chairman Sir Elton John. The three routes varied in length but all encompassed key points of Taylor’s Hornets’ history, such as Watford Town Hall, Meriden Community Centre, and Cassiobury Park. With this in mind, it was fitting that the Trust’s current patrons, The Taylor Family, were present to award those completing the trek with their medals and goody bags.

As well as event sponsors Mercer & Hole, and Abbey Roofing, the event benefitted from further partnerships including Wenzels who donated lunch and donuts, water and cereal bars courtesy of ASDA Watford, goody bag snacks from Watford’s Tesco Extra and PRIME, and last but by no means least, Sports and Trophies who provided this year’s medals.

The Taylor Trek was well-attended with the addition of staff from sponsors Mercer & Hole, and Abbey Roofing, there were also members of staff from SA Law who joined the walk. Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor also attended, alongside Watford FC’s academy, which included the Under 18s squad, as well as familiar faces to Hornets’ fans – their Assistant Coach Lloyd Doyley and Academy Director Richard Johnson. To give them their Watford FC names Lloydinho and Johno weren’t the only Watford FC former players to represent the yellow army, Steve Palmer trekked the Challenge Route, whilst Luther Blissett OBE DL joined the buzz on behalf of the Former Players Club CIC, alongside Gary Porter, Ian Richardson, and Dennis Elliott.

The success of the day was summarised by Taylor Trek 2024 completer Nigel Bristow, who said:

“The day was a perfect reminder of everything that is good about Watford Football Club and something that continues the community-based family theme that our greatest ever manager believed in so much. Thank you and well done everyone!”

If you’d like to register your interest for future Taylor Treks please complete our form by clicking HERE, or for more information, you can contact leah.crocket@watfordfc.com