More than a thousand Easter eggs were hand delivered to children in hospital after businesses rallied together for an egg-cellent Easter surprise.

The moods of youngsters and adults alike at Watford General Hospital, as well as other hospitals in the area, were brightened after a fantastic appeal.

It was in partnership with Raise, a charity which supports patient care at Watford General, Hemel Hempstead, and St Albans City hospitals.

Anytime Fitness, based in Croxley Park, encouraged people to bring in chocolate eggs in return for a free trial or guest pass. The idea worked with more than 250 eggs donated – and after Morrisons donated 150 eggs, the gym amassed a wonderful total of 800 of the sweet treats.

Captain Running Man, the gym’s mascot, also made an appearance handing out eggs in the children’s Starfish ward at Watford General.

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Anytime Fitness collected more than 800 eggs

Alex Slater, club manager at Anytime Fitness Croxley Park said: “We are overwhelmed by the generosity and support that our members have shown. We’re delighted with the final result and are grateful to everyone for supporting such a great cause.

Neal Maher, from the gym, added: “We absolutely smashed our target, collecting 800 eggs and we’d like to thank Morrisons for coming on board and to Fleet Cars for transporting them for free.”

Reece Ireland, communications executive at car benefit company Tusker, said: “Watford General is our hospital and staff there care for our loved ones, our customers, families and friends. We were excited to get involved in and the staff at Tusker helped donate more than 115 eggs.”

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The Tusker team, including Reece Ireland (back, third from left)

Lawrence Browne from the South Oxhey-based Expert Property Group added: “As a company we realised we had lots of Easter chocolate so we thought we’d like to give something back by sharing with the community. It’s not about self-promotion, but putting children first.”

While Bradley Baxter, from JJ Burgess and Sons, said: “We were in the office planning our Easter breaks with our loved ones and it made us think about those who couldn’t be at home, although being cared for by all the wonderful hospital staff and volunteers.”

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Raymond Oliver from JJ Burgess & Sons

Samantha Sherratt, Raise’s director, said: “It is such a treat when local well-wishers come into the hospital with goodies. And to have enough Easter eggs not just for the children but adults too was fantastic; we even shared them among patients in our Hemel Hempstead and St Albans City hospitals. Kindness like this helped make Easter feel that extra bit special.”