Runners, climbers and walkers raised more than £8,000 for West Herts Hospitals Charity and Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust after taking part in an epic stair climbing challenge at Vicarage Road.

The event saw participants running and walking their way up and down the stands of the stadium to raise vital funds.

Hornets goalkeeper and club captain Daniel Bachmann – an ambassador for the hospital charity – 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 eight-year-old Leo from Dunstable.

“We are extremely proud of Leo winning the Step Up challenge and raising money for a good cause, that will benefit the local community,” said Leo’s mum Tara.

    Mima Moore, 23, from Watford, won the adults’ challenge.

“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,” she said.

“Plus, Dan Bachmann was there to greet me at the finish line so that was an added bonus!”

The event was supported by AMYA UK – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.

West Herts Hospitals Charity CEO Alison Rosen said: “I am delighted so many people came along to support both West Herts Hospitals Charity and Watford FC’s Community Sports & 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!”

    Special prizes were awarded to the first 10 participants to cross the finish line and the top 10 fundraisers.

Winners received a copy of Watford Forever and the top fundraisers were also treated to a tour of the dressing rooms.

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

A warm-up session at the stadium was held by Anytime Fitness 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 and Tesco Extra in Watford, and Tesco in Rickmansworth and Maylands, donated water and cereal bars for those involved.

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