Rugby fans walk to Wembley (From Watford Observer)
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Rugby fans walk from Watford to Wembley
1:15pm Wednesday 21st April 2010 in News
Fullerians club members dressed up for the walk to wembley to see Saracens play Harlequins.
More than 200 Fullerians club members warmed up for this weekend's Hertfordshire mini contact rugby festival by walking to Wembley Stadium ahead of Saracens' clash with Harlequins.
Joined by Sarrie the Camel, the rugby fans walked from their clubhouse in Consingby Drive, Watford, to the national stadium to raise money for the Henry Fraser Trust.
Henry, 17, was a colt player at Fullerians and also a member of Saracens' academy.
However, he was left paralysed following a tragic accident in Portugal last summer.
Earlier this season, Saracens held an auction and donated some of the proceeds from ticket sales to the trust after their match against Worcester, also held at Wembley, in February.
And the band of supporters from Fullerians are on target to raise £20,000 by walking to Wembley on Saturday.
Meeting at the clubhouse at 9.30am, the group enjoyed a hearty breakfast before setting off towards Watford town centre.
They walked up through Bushey, stopping at the Three Crowns pub, before making their way towards Stanmore.
On route they were given a warm welcome by members at Harrow rugby club, where they enjoyed a barbecue.
And a final stop at The Preston pub, in Preston Road, allowed all the walkers to catch their breath before, en masse, completing the final stretch to Wembley, where they met Henry Fraser and his father Andrew.
Saracens went on to beat Harlequins 37-18.
Organiser Pat O'Keeffe said: “We had a great day out. Saracens put on a terrific show both before the match and on the pitch. Both Henry and his father were in very good spirits.
“The only sad note of the day was Kelly Hardwidge, who unfortunately broke her leg on the stairs at Wembley on the way home. All at the club wish her a speedy recovery.
“We have enjoyed it so much we are contemplating doing it next year for Henry or a different charity.”
Pat added his thanks to JD Wetherspoon, who sponsored the breakfast, Mullaney's Coaches, who provided transport to bring the walkers home, and those “behind the scenes” who helped set up the event.
For more information about the festival, pick up a copy of this Friday's Watford Observer.
