Determined fundraisers Push it for Peace

Muddy, mean and magnificent! Dirty, daring and dynamic! ‘The best Push It ever!’ That was the verdict at the end of Saturday’s challenging ‘Push It for the Peace’ event in Cassiobury Park. A record 930 fundraisers took part in the fun fuelled soggy challenge raising vital funds for Peace Hospice Care.  Team work was the key as the united fundraisers tackled 30 tough obstacles over five miles in Cassiobury Park which included a dip into the cold canal. Many onlookers who had gathered in Cassiobury Park marvelled as the determined yellow topped troopers climbed up lorries, rolled over barrels, carried traffic cones, rolled through tunnels, swam through water challenges, bounced through hoops and even got hosed down by the fire service for their efforts. Another fundraiser, Penelope Cristofori from Kings Langley said: ‘I did this event in memory of a friend of mine who died of bowel cancer.  We really loved the event today and I particularly enjoyed doing it with my friends.  It was really tough but we just kept each other going.  The crates across the canal were my favourite challenge.  I managed to do it and got a big cheer. I will definitely do it again next year.  It was really well organised and was such great fun. We were also able to raise some money to hopefully make a bit of a difference to the Hospice.’ Chief Executive of Peace Hospice Care,  Sue Plummer who took part in the challenging obstacle course was impressed by the spectacular scene of  mud, sweat and cheers.  She said ‘It was very encouraging to witness this huge wave of support and talk to the teams and individuals who had taken part.  Knowing how tough the course was today through personal experience, I would like to thank everyone who took part on behalf of the Hospice, our patients and their families for supporting us today.  We appreciate just how much our community are prepared to do for their Hospice.  I would also like to thank our sponsors for getting behind the event.’ She added ‘We need to raise £4.2 million in charitable income this year so that we can continue to provide care to our patients and their families with a life limiting illness.  These events play an important role in raising our funds.  I hope that everyone who took part will put up their tired feet this evening, knowing that they have made a difference for their local charity today.’ In addition to the competitive spirit of the course, the Push It Village welcomed more families than ever before who were able to enjoy live music, activities for children, food and a beer tent. Peace Hospice Care Events Manager, Pete Watson has seen Push It grow in popularity since it began three years ago. He described this year’s Push it as ‘an astounding success’ and was overwhelmed by the energy, enthusiasm and commitment from the entrants. ‘This has been an incredible event and we thank every person who signed up for the challenge. This support clearly demonstrates that Peace Hospice Care is in the heart of our community.”