Watford FC players rally for charity stair climb

Watford FC players are backing two charities in their upcoming stair climbing event.

The Step Up challenge will take place at the Hornets' Vicarage Road Stadium on June 1.

Mileta Rajović, Jack Grieves and Mattie Pollock are inviting fans to run, walk, or climb up and down the stands of the 20,000-plus capacity arena.

Proceeds will go to Watford FC Trust and West Herts Hospitals Charity, the official charity for West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Watford FC goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann, an ambassador for West Herts Hospitals Charity, will be in attendance on his debut official charity commitment, raising funds to boost patient care and staff wellbeing above what is provided by the NHS.

In partnership with Penguin Books, special rewards are up for grabs.

The first 10 participants to finish along with the event's top 10 fundraisers, will each receive The Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year - Watford Forever, charting the club's transformation under Elton John's ownership and the management of Graham Taylor.

One additional book will be available as a raffle prize.

Fitness outlets Anytime Fitness at Croxley Park and Bushey, along with CMR Surgical are sponsors of the Step Up for Health event and will also provide warm-up sessions at the stadium before participants begin their climbs.

Each participant will be given a goody bag filled with gym passes from Anytime Fitness, products from Lush in Watford and more.

Supermarkets including Morrisons in Watford, Tesco's in Rickmansworth and Maylands, and Tesco's Extra in Watford, have donated water and cereal bars.

Alison Rosen, chief executive officer at West Herts Hospitals Charity, said: "We’re really grateful to all our sponsors and generous donors for supporting this special event and making a difference to the mental and physical health and wellbeing of thousands of local residents.

"I will be personally joining the Step Up challenge, so will be lacing up my trainers to conquer the stairs at Vicarage Road."

Endorsed by AMYA UK, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, the event aims to provide a fun family experience, with two categories for involvement - adults 18 years and over and six to 18 year olds.

To join the challenge, go to https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/StepUp20242.