Haydon the Womble was one of four mascots to triumph at Wimbledon Common last weekend in an event which raised vital funds for charity.

The AFC Wimbledon Mascot Triathlon raised over £600 for the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, thanks to donations and sponsorship from Merton businesses.

Billed as the “Chariots of Fur”, mascots from all over the South East competed against each other as part of the Wimbledon Common Stables Open Day, on Saturday, September 8.

Mac the Monkey (The Micro and Anophthalmic Society) won the lawn darts, while the Don’s very own Haydon triumphed in the bean bag toss.

Mike the Mic (Radio Royal Marsden) won the obstacle course, while Cyril the Squirrel (St Helier Festival’s mascot) fended off stiff competition to earn the highest points score on the day and win the overall winner accolade.

Cyril left the event clutching the WUP (Wombles Underground Press) Cup.

An AFC Wimbledon spokesman said: “The event provided an entertaining spectacle for local children, who voted Debra the Zebra (Merton Road Safety team) as the ‘Cheekiest Mascot’.”

The club will also aim to keep the Olympic spirit alive later this month with the second staging of its Minithon event.

Rowing gold medalist Sophie Hosking has agreed to participate in the 5km fun event and residents are invited to join her in Morden Park on Sunday, September 30.

Dons boss Terry Brown, club physio Mike Rayner and chief executive, Erik Samuelson, will be among those competing.

Funds raised this year will be donated to St Raphael’s Hospice, Born Too Soon (Prem Baby Unit), along with ground safety improvements at the club's stadium in Kingsmeadow, Kingston.

The club spokesman added: "To fit in with the Olympic ideals, we will be promoting sport for all with people of all ages and abilities welcome to participate.

"Just like our first staging of the AFC Wimbledon Minithon two years ago, entrants can walk, stroll or run and babies in buggies can even take part with their families."

The fun gets underway at 11.00 am near the bandstand in Morden Park.

Supporters can sponsor a team by downloading a form from afcwimbledon.co.uk.


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