A giant inflatable dinosaur was among the hundreds who took part in The Hospice of St Francis’ first ever KAPOW Superhero Challenge on one of the hottest days of the year.
Hundreds of superheros braved temperatures of more than 30C on Sunday 8th July to bounce, roll, jump and dive around a 5km inflatable obstacle course at Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted, to raise money for Hospice care.
Supermen and Wonder Women of all ages biffed the bouncing bollards and scrambled through the mangle of the fun-filled course set in the beautiful school grounds.
Lauren Parker, Event Fundraisier at the Hospice, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Ashlyns School who kindly allowed us to use their beautiful venue free of charge and to Aspire2Fitness gym who donated fantastic prizes to our top fundraisers.
“As ever, we’re immensely grateful to all the volunteers who gave their time to help run the event as well as everyone who braved the heat, pulled on their superhero costume and took part - you’re all superheros in our eyes!
“Despite the heat it was a fantastic event and we hope all our superheroes enjoyed the obstacles a little more knowing their involvement was helping the Hospice to support patients and families to live their precious lives well.”
Naomi Prasad ran the course dressed as an 8ft dinosaur in memory of her mum Lynda Tucker, who died of a brain tumour last month.
Naomi, who has raised more than £750 for the Hospice, said she decided to don the dinosaur suit because sometimes “being silly is the best therapy”.
“It was so hot in the dinosaur suit but totally worth it to make people laugh and to raise some money for the hospice in memory of mum,” she said.
Naomi, whose employer State Street Corporation has pledged to match fund the amount she has raised, added: “Mum would be so proud and touched that we’re contributing £1,500 to the Hospice because of her. To have some good come out of a horrible tragedy is a consolation.”
Ritta Ball, Wendie Lynas and Carla Hemming, who all work at One Stop Doctors in Hemel Hempstead, took part as Wendie’s Angels.
Wendie said: “The Hospice is such an amazing place and we really enjoyed the event. Everyone around the course was so supportive and motivational and the last slide obstacle was a real challenge.”
Nemo (Black Panther) and Oscar (Spiderman), who both attend Ashlyns School, ran the course with Freddie, who was dressed as Thor, and his dad David, from Berkhamsted.
David said: “It’s our first charity run! It was hot and tiring but we liked all the obstacles especially the maze and hammers. We will definitely do an event like this again and spread the word with family and friends.”
Did you miss out on the obstacles this time? Don’t worry, the Hospice’s five or 10-mile muddy obstacle course is coming to Berkhamsted on Sunday 21
st October! To find out more about the award-nominated Mud Pack Challenge, visit
www.stfrancis.org.uk/mudpack