Mud ‘n’ Madness event challenges adrenaline-fuelled fundraisers in Havering

Firefighters who took part in the Mud 'n' Madness challenge for St Francis Hospice on Saturday.

by Safira Ali, Senior reporter Tuesday, February 12, 2013
2:50 PM

More than 100 people tried out army-style challenges, ran through mud and took on archery, kayaking and space hoppers for a charity challenge.

The Albany School teachers joined in the archery challenge in the Mud 'n' Madness event for St Francis Hospice on Saturday.

The adrenaline-fuelled fundraisers were hoping to raise at least £20,000 for services at St Francis Hospice through the Mud ‘n’ Madness event at Stubbers Adventure Centre on Saturday.

Amongst those taking part were 15 firefighters from east London stations and two teams of police officers who work in Havering - PCs Lee Smith, Dan Pipes and Chris Stockman, from Squirrel’s Heath Safer Neighbourhood Team and PC Brian Stevens with PCSOs Carl Simonovitch and Dan Piper from Pettits Safer Neighbourhood Team. Team member Dan Piper said: “It was great fun, although the canoe sank half way round the water challenge.”

Also taking part were Gary Fox and his son Shaun, who took part last year and completed it in memory of his wife Lisa, who was cared for at the hospice. They were joined by Gary’s son-in-law Ashley Smith.

Gary said: “I found it easier this time, but it was still tough. The space hoppers were fun, although I had five attempts at hitting the right target in archery.”

Andrea Burke, from Romford, joined DHL colleagues Andrea Zopp and Faye Sutton for the event. She said: “Mud ‘n’ Madness was the funniest thing I’ve ever done and we laughed all the way round.

“St Francis Hospice provides such wonderful care and support to people affected by life-limiting illness and so many people I come into contact with have been helped by the charity so I’m pleased to be able to raise some funds.”

Hospice fundraiser Lauren Josman said: “I’d like to thank everyone who braved the cold and mud to join us in this fundraising event.

“People have told us how much they enjoyed it and the money raised will make a real difference to the lives of the patients and families affected by cancer or other life-limiting illness that we support.”