£8k raised in Watford FC Stadium stair-climbing charity event

The Step Up for Health event on Saturday saw around 150 participants run and walk their way up and down the stadium's 20,000-plus seater stands, with funds going to West Herts Hospitals Charity, and Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust.

Daniel Bachmann, Watford FC’s goalkeeper and the new ambassador for the hospital charity, joined the crowd, cheering the participants, which included a shorter route for children.

The first to cross the finish line in the under-18s category was eight-year-old Leo Lovett from Dunstable (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

Eight-year-old Leo Lovett from Dunstable crossed the finish line first in the under-18s category.

Leo's mother, 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, winner of the adult Step Up challenge, with Dan Bachmann (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)

In the adult category, the first to cross the finish line was 23-year-old Mima Moore from Watford who signed up on the event day.

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 (line) in first place.

"Plus, Dan Bachmann was there to greet me at the finish line so that was an added bonus."

Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity expressed delight at the turnout and enthusiasm for the event.

She 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."

Alison also participated in the Step Up challenge, alongside her daughter and grandson.

She added: "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."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA UK) supported the event.

The first ten participants to cross the finish line and the top ten fundraisers received special prizes.

The Step-Up for Health event was sponsored by Anytime Fitness clubs in Croxley Park and Bushey, and CMR Surgical, a supplier of surgical robots to the Trust.

Anytime Fitness also hosted a warm-up session at the stadium before the challenge.

Participants went home with a generous goody bag, including gym passes from Anytime Fitness, products from Lush in Watford, and more.

Supermarkets including Morrisons in Watford, Tesco's in Rickmansworth and Maylands, and Tesco Extra in Watford, donated water and cereal bars.

Donation to the Step Up for Health challenge can still be made by visiting the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust website and specifying 'Step Up' in the reason for the donation box at watfordfccsetrust.com/make-a-donation.