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Watford 10K and Fun Run

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 14:03:03 GMT

Join the Bank Holiday Fun at Watford Mencap’s 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run in Cassiobury Park

Watford Mencap is delighted to announce the return of its much-anticipated annual Bank Holiday 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run, taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Cassiobury Park, Watford, on Monday 4th May.

The Watford Mencap Run is more than just a great way to spend the May Bank Holiday weekend outdoors. It is also an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities across the local community.

All proceeds from the event will directly support Watford Mencap’s vital services and programmes, which empower people with learning disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or simply looking for a fun and active way to support a local charity, the event welcomes participants of all abilities.

The 1K and 5K routes are fully accessible, making the event a great option for families, beginners, and anyone who wants to take part at their own pace.

Participants are encouraged to raise additional funds by setting up their own JustGiving page, or by requesting a sponsorship form from the Watford Mencap team. Every pound raised helps support life-changing opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Because the event takes place on May 4th, runners are also invited to embrace the theme with a special prize for the Best Dressed Star Wars-themed runner.

So, grab your trainers, bring your friends and family, and join Watford Mencap for a morning of community spirit, fun and fundraising.

May the Fourth be with you.

Sign Up Today

To register, you can sign up here: Active Training World : Watford Mencap 10K, 5K and 1K Fun Run

For more information, please contact:

fundraising@watfordmencap.org.uk

By taking part, you’ll be helping Watford Mencap continue its important work supporting people with learning disabilities across the community.

Media Contact:
Rebecca Fatharly
Watford Mencap
rfatharly@watfordmencap.org.uk

Watford Pancake Race

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:08:59 GMT

Watford Pancake Race

Watford Pancake Race returns on 17th February 2026 in support of Watford Mencap Watford will once again be flipping pancakes for a good cause as the Watford Pancake Race returns on Tuesday 17th February 2026, bringing businesses, families and the wider community together in the heart of the town.

Event starts at 2pm at The Parade, Watford, the much-loved event is being organised by Watford Mencap in partnership with Watford BID, Watford Three Rivers Trust and Watford Borough Council.

The race will feature a mix of business relay races, accessible races, and children’s races, ensuring the event is welcoming and inclusive for everyone. All participants will receive a medal.

Event highlights include:

Business relay races (teams of four, pre-registration required)
Accessible race, £3 to enter with carers attending free of charge (pre-registration required)
Children’s races (under 10s and 10–14s) - £3 to enter (pre-registration required)
A special appearance from Harry the Hornet
Post-race refreshments at the Café in the Library

Pancakes will be kindly provided by West Herts College, and the event is proudly sponsored by Everyone Active.

Businesses already showing their support include EMW Law, Watford Borough Council teams, and interest from Watford FC Academy and Everyone Active teams.

Entry details:

Business teams: £100 per team of four

All funds raised will support Watford Mencap’s work with children and adults with learning disabilities and their families across the local area, as well as Watford Community Trust.

Book here: The Watford Pancake Race 2026 - Watford & Three Rivers Trust

Media enquiries:

Phone: 07580 815784

Email: mhamilton@watfordmencap.org.uk

Santa Dash

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:45:53 GMT

Santa Dash

Watford Mencap brings back the festive fun with Santa Dash 2025

Get ready to lace up your trainers, don your Santa hat, and spread some festive cheer! Watford Mencap is thrilled to announce the return of its much-loved Santa Dash at the beautiful Cassiobury Park on Sunday 7th December 2025.

This year’s event features a 5K Santa Dash and a 1K Fun Run, making it the perfect festive activity for runners, families, and supporters of all ages and abilities. Starting from Cassiobury Hub at 10:00 AM, the Santa Dash promises a morning filled with joy, community spirit, and the sight of hundreds of Santas dashing through the park

But the Santa Dash is more than just festive fun. Every stride taken and every pound raised will go directly towards supporting Watford Mencap’s essential services for people with learning disabilities. From advocacy and housing to activities and family support, your involvement will help empower individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives.

“The Santa Dash is one of our favourite events of the year,” said Michelle Hamilton, Fundraising Manager at Watford Mencap. “It brings the whole community together in festive spirit while making a real difference to people with learning disabilities in Watford and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun day out with family and friends, we’d love you to join us.”

1K Fun Run: £9.50 per person
5K Santa Dash: £14.50 per person

Costumes, festive fun, and community spirit are all guaranteed, and every step helps raise funds for a great cause.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday 7th December 2025
Time:

09:00 Registration opens
10.00 Registration closes (1K Fun Runners)
10.00 Warm up
10.15 Registration closes (5K runners)
10:15 1K starts
10:30 5K starts

Location: Cassiobury Hub, Cassiobury Park, Watford WD18 7LG

How to Get Involved:

Sign up online: Active Training World : Watford Santa Dash
Share: Spread the word on social media and invite friends, family, and colleagues to join in the festive dash!

Let’s make this year’s Santa Dash bigger and better than ever. Run, walk, or jog but most importantly, do it dressed as Santa and help Watford Mencap continue its life-changing work.

Press Contact:

Rebecca Fatharly

Watford Mencap

Email: rfatharly@watfordmencap.org.uk

Phone: 01923 713620

Festive Concert

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:29:52 GMT

Festive Concert - 10th December

Watford Mencap to Host Festive Concert Featuring Watford Rock Choir and Local Musician Joe Farry

Watford Mencap is delighted to announce a special festive concert in partnership with the Watford Rock Choir, taking place on Wednesday 10th December 2025 at St Andrews Church, Church Road, Watford, WD17 4PY .

The concert will run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm and will feature a programme of uplifting festive music performed by the Watford Rock Choir. We are also pleased to welcome Joe Farry , local musician and supporter of Watford Mencap, who previously performed at our AGM and will be playing on the night.

Following the performance, guests are invited to join us for refreshments at Watford Mencap, located at 92a Langley Road, Watford, Herts, WD17 4PJ .

This celebratory event brings the community together for a joyful evening while helping support the vital work Watford Mencap does for people with learning disabilities and their families. Hertfordshire County Council have generously given a small grant to help fund this inclusive and accessible Winter Celebration community event. We are also so grateful to Aramark Catering for their support with this festive event.

Tickets are now on sale:
Adults £12
Children £3

To book your place, please contact:
jstephens@watfordmencap.org.uk

“We’re thrilled to partner with the Watford Rock Choir and welcome Joe Farry for this festive celebration,” said Jolene, spokesperson for Watford Mencap. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music, celebrate the season and support the work we do for adults and children with learning disabilities across Watford.”

Watford Mencap looks forward to welcoming supporters, families and residents for an evening full of festive cheer.

For event bookings, please contact:
jstephens@watfordmencap.org.uk

For media enquiries, interviews or photos, please contact:

Rebecca Fatharly – Marketing & Communications, Watford Mencap

Rfatharly@watfordmencap.org.uk

www.watfordmencap.org.uk

The Big Give

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:52:14 GMT

The Big Give

Double Your Impact: Watford Mencap Joins the Big Give to Support Local People with Learning Disabilities

Watford Mencap is taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge from 2nd to 9th December, giving supporters the opportunity to double their donations and make twice the difference for local people with learning disabilities and their families.

During this week-long campaign, every pound donated to Watford Mencap through The Big Give will be matched pound for pound, helping the charity to reach its target of £5400 and fund vital services that promote independence, inclusion and wellbeing.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will be doubled, meaning more opportunities, more care, and more support for local people who rely on Watford Mencap,” said Michelle Hamilton, Fundraising Manager at Watford Mencap. “We’re asking the community to come together this December and help us create a fairer future for everyone.”

Watford Mencap provides a wide range of services for children and adults with learning disabilities, including supported living, employment opportunities, community activities and family support. Funds raised through The Big Give will go directly towards enhancing these services and reaching more families across Watford and Southwest Hertfordshire.

Supporters can get involved by donating via Making outside fun and learning accessible – Big Give between 2nd and 9th December. All donations made during this time will be doubled while match funds last.

How You Can Help:

Donate via Making outside fun and learning accessible – Big Give between 2nd–9th December
Share the campaign on social media using #BigGive #WatfordMencap
Spread the word to family, friends and local businesses

“Together, we can make twice the impact and bring real change to the lives of people with learning disabilities in our community,” added Michelle.

For media enquiries, interviews or photos, please contact:

Rebecca Fatharly – Marketing & Communications, Watford Mencap

Rfatharly@watfordmencap.org.uk

www.watfordmencap.org.uk

Creative Scrunchie Sale for Watford Mencap by Year 3 Student

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:36:50 GMT

Watford Mencap is celebrating the amazing efforts of Jocelyn, a Year 3 pupil at St Helen’s School in Northwood, who has raised £609.72 for the charity by selling scrunchies to her peers.

Demonstrating creativity, compassion, and determination well beyond her years, Jocelyn took the initiative to sell scrunchies to friends and classmates, with all proceeds generously donated to Watford Mencap. Her thoughtful project not only raised valuable funds but also helped raise awareness of the work we do in supporting people with learning disabilities and their families.

“We are incredibly grateful to Jocelyn for her hard work and dedication,” said Michelle, Fundraising Manager for Watford Mencap. “Young fundraisers like her inspire us and remind us of the power of community. The money raised will go directly toward providing vital services that make a real difference in the lives of those we support.”

Watford Mencap provides essential services across Southwest Hertfordshire, including residential care, community support, advice, and inclusive activities for children and adults with learning disabilities.

For more information about how you can support Watford Mencap, visit  www.watfordmencap.org.uk .