Mission Mud Success

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Essex & Herts Air Ambulance celebrated an unforgettable day of muddy fun, community spirit and fundraising success at its first-ever Mission:Mud event, held on Sunday 12th July 2026 at Nuclear Wild Forest in Kelvedon Hatch.

The fundraising event proved to be a tremendous success, raising £10,000 to help keep the charity’s 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service operational across Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. Every pound raised will help the charity to continue delivering advanced pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill and injured patients when every second counts.

Sponsored by Utilize, Mission:Mud brought together local families, schools, friendship groups, sports clubs and influencers to tackle a thrilling muddy obstacle course. Participants chose between 60 or 90-minute sessions, taking on more than 25 exciting obstacles, including climbing walls, cargo nets, water crossings and giant slides, all while embracing plenty of mud and raising vital funds for the charity.

Participants were encouraged to raise a minimum of £15 each, many significantly exceeded this target, demonstrating the generosity and commitment of EHAAT’s supporters.

Additional funds were raised through the sale of exclusive Mission:Mud T-shirts, which participants proudly wore throughout the event and later took home as lasting reminders of an action-packed day. Every participant also received a commemorative Mission:Mud medal in recognition of their achievement.

Younger supporters played their part too, taking on EHAAT’s Coin Splat Collector Sheet challenge by collecting £1 coins to fill each muddy splat. Those who completed the challenge were rewarded with a special prize to collect at the event, helping inspire the next generation of lifesavers while making fundraising fun.

Francesca Gillott, Events Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, commented on the success of the event, saying: “What an absolutely incredible turnout we had for our very first Mission:Mud event. It was fantastic to see the local community come together with such energy, enthusiasm and team spirit in support of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. On behalf of everyone at the charity, I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who took part, supported and cheered us on. Your generosity, determination and brilliant attitude made the day what it was – full of laughter, muddy smiles and unforgettable moments.

From start to finish, the atmosphere was just amazing, and it was inspiring to see so many people throwing themselves into the challenge for such an important cause. Not only did we create memories that will last a lifetime, but we also raised vital funds that directly support our lifesaving work.”