Hundreds dashed, swam and leapt across a two-mile obstacle course at the weekend in what has been called the "most grueling challenge" ever to be held by a Watford hospice.

A total of 200 fundraisers pushed themselves to the limit in Cassiobury Park on Saturday to take part in Peace Hospice Care’s River Runner event.

Nearly £10,000 was raised from the challenge, which saw participants battling through the course, much of which went through cold canal water.

Watford Observer:

Pete Watson, the hospice’s events manager, said: "We’ve had some fantastic events over the years but this is the most grueling challenge that we’ve ever been involved with. 

"It’s amazing what people will put themselves through in order to raise money for us.  All the people who took part in the River Runner showed amazing strength, determination and spirit. It’s an amazing achievement for them all to have made it to the finish line."

Watford Observer:

The course was designed by ex-military specialists and consisted of 15 obstacles.

It was completed in the quickest time of 54 minutes by tri-athlete Stephen Senior from Watford.

Watford Observer:

Mr Watson added: "I would like to thank everyone involved in the event which will help Peace Hospice Care continue to provide care to our patients and their families from across south west Hertfordshire with a life limiting illness."

Watford Observer:

Peace Hospice Care provides specialist support for people from across south west Hertfordshire with life-limiting illnesses.

It provides inpatient care in a 12-bedded unit as well as day services at the Starlight Centre. It also provides bereavement support to anyone in the county and runs a hospice at home service.

Watford Observer:

The hospice needs to raise £4 million every year in order to run and develop its services and all the care that it provides to patients and their families is free.

The next two big fundraisers the hospice is holding are the all female Starlight Walk event on Saturday, June 21 and the Push it for the Peace 5-mile obstacle run on Saturday, September 20.

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For more information on the hospice, visit www.peacehospicecare.org.uk or call 01923 330340.