Muddy Mayhem raises more than £31,000 for Hospice care

Sunday 24th March saw the return of Muddy Mayhem, Garden House Hospice Care's annual fundraiser. The 5km obstacle course, which took place at 'a sunny yet muddy' Woodhall Estate, Watton-at-Stone, has so far raised more than £31,000.

The amount raised could fund our entire services for more than three days, including the specialist care patients receive, staffing costs, and running costs.

Adam Brockett is Product and Events Lead at Garden House Hospice Care:
"We say it every year, but I think was our best Muddy Mayhem yet. The weather was certainly an improvement on last year but it didn’t take away from the mud, or more importantly, the fun!

"We are delighted with the amount raised. Each and every person who took part is truly amazing for taking on the challenge and has helped us smash last year’s total. It’s an incredible achievement. A huge thank you and well done to everyone."

Participants waded through mud and clambered over obstacles to raise money for the Hospice (Credit: Martin Wootton)

Cousins 7-year-old Jaziel and 11-year-old Mayson tackled the 'Mini Mudder', a shorter version of the event for children. The pair collectively raised just shy of £2,500 in memory of their great auntie Diane, who received care from the Hospice in 2022.

Jaziel, who had 'so much fun' that he ended up running two laps of the course, said:
"I wanted to challenge myself and help the Hospice raise money so they can help people like my auntie Didi. I could see the adults running back from the main event and some were soaking and covered in mud, so I was excited to get started! My favourite part was going through the last river - it wasn't as muddy so I could run quickly, climb over the obstacle and zoom to the finish line.

"I want to do it again next year!"

Cousins 11-year-old Mayson and 7-year-old Jaziel raised £2,500 in memory of their great auntie Diane

A team of staff from Stevenage Football Club and Stevenage FC Foundation also took part in Muddy Mayhem. Garden House Hospice Care is the club's official charity partner for the current season and the team could be seen wearing replica jerseys of the club’s third kit, which features the Hospice's logo. The club shared 'a big well done' to its staff on their Facebook page.

Two of the 11 staff members from Stevenage Football Club who ran Muddy Mayhem (Credit: Bunny-Hugging Volunteer)

In addition to all the participants and volunteers, the Hospice would like to extend its thanks to Woodhall Estate, Mr H Productions, Medical & Water Safety Ltd, Midshires Search and Rescue, Local Toilet Hire Ltd, Race Timing Solutions, Hitchin Camera Club, The Hut, Horsebox Coffee Shop and Café Ole/Mustangs.

To sign up for a future fundraiser in aid of Garden House Hospice Care, visit our events page.