Muddy Mayhem raises more than £20,000

Muddy brides, a Stevenage councillor and sports teams were amongst hundreds who braved wet, windy and mucky conditions to complete a muddy 5K obstacle course in aid of Garden House Hospice Care.

Adam Brockett is Product and Events Lead at Garden House Hospice Care:

"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. 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."

Conor McGrath, Labour councillor for Bedwell in Stevenage, completed the course with a large group of friends and family, named "Con's Army":

"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."

Amongst the participants were staff and volunteers from Bridal House, the hospice's own bridal boutique in Hitchin, who took on the 5k course dressed in pre-loved wedding attire, inspired by the popular 'trash the dress' theme.

Jenni Defalco is shop manager at Bridal House:

"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 even booking an appointment then please get in touch."

Others took part in Muddy Mayhem as a personal challenge, and some with families in memory of loved ones who were cared for by Garden House Hospice Care.

In total, more than 500 people from across East and North Hertfordshire braved the conditions, conquering man-made and natural obstacles around the scenic Woodhall Estate at Watton-at-Stone, with youngsters taking on a shorter 1km Mini Mudder course. By taking part and also seeking sponsorship, participants helped raise more than £20,000 for the Hospice.