Muddy Mayhem raises thousands for North Herts hospice

Among the more than 500 people taking part on Sunday, March 26 were muddy brides, a Stevenage councillor and local sports teams.

They braved wet and windy conditions to overcome the 5km obstacle course at Woodhall Estate in Watton-at-Stone, while youngsters took on a 1km Mini Mudder course.

Participants tackled man-made and natural obstacles around the 5km course (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

One of those taking part was Clare Davies. She completed the course with her sister Jo and friend Sophie, while Clare's sons Edward (six) and William (eight) ran the Mini Mudder course.

Clare Davies (left), sister Jo, friend Sophie and Clare’s sons Edward (left) and William (right) (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

Clare said: "We ran Muddy Mayhem partly because we're a bit mad and like doing challenges for charity, but also my son Edward benefitted from support from the hospice when we suddenly and unexpectedly lost my mum last August.

"Their support helped him process and have some strategies on how to deal with loss and how to move on, which has been hugely appreciated."

Staff from Bridal House, a boutique shop run by Garden House Hospice and selling second-hand wedding garments, took part in Muddy Mayhem wearing some of the unusable attire the shop had received.

Staff from Garden House’s Bridal House boutique took part in second-hand wedding attire (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

Jenni Defalco, shop manager, said: "We are so proud of the team for taking part in Muddy Mayhem and raising much needed funds for the hospice.

"Our staff and volunteers always go the extra mile to showcase our boutique and by wearing unusable wedding dresses and eveningwear around this course and embracing the 'trash the dress' theme they certainly did that in a unique way.

"We'd love to see even more muddy brides take part next year, and in the meantime, if you're interested in donating a wedding dress or booking an appointment then please get in touch."

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Conor McGrath, who was elected as a councillor for Stevenage's Bedwell ward earlier this year, completed the course with a large group of family and friends, nicknamed 'Con's Army'.

Cllr Conor McGrath (right) with some of 'Con's Army' (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

Cllr McGrath said: "We raised just over £2,000 for Garden House Hospice Care and we had great fun doing it in the wind and the rain.

"Thanks to all the volunteers, organisers and everybody who donated. The money will really help support the hospice."

Participants had to get involved in some scrambling and climbing (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

Adam Brockett, product and event lead at Garden House Hospice Care, said: "We'd like to thank everyone who braved the rain on Sunday for what was possibly the muddiest Muddy Mayhem yet.

"Despite the weather, there was a huge smile on people's faces as families, work colleagues, friends and sports teams such as Letchworth Garden City Eagles Ladies and Letchworth Hockey Club clambered, climbed, scrambled and crawled around our two courses.

Some took part in Muddy Mayhem in memory of loved ones, many of whom were cared for by Garden House Hospice Care (Image: Garden House Hospice Care)

"All the money raised will go towards providing vital care and support to our patients, families and carers across North Hertfordshire and beyond.

"An event such as this simply would not happen without the help and support of a large number of people, and we'd particularly like to thank Woodhall Estate for their hospitality, Midshires Search and Rescue, Hitchin Camera Club, Mr H Productions, and of course all our volunteers."

Garden House Hospice needs to raise £5.4 million in total income every year - equivalent to nearly £15,000 per day - to run its services, and only receives around a third of that sum from the NHS.

Photos from Muddy Mayhem will be available on the Hospice's Facebook page, and more information about the charity is available on its website.