Anna Filbey named ambassador for West Herts Hospitals Charity
The Watford FC Women star helped open the new wellbeing courtyard at Watford General
Watford FC Women’s midfielder Anna Filbey has been named the new ambassador for West Herts Hospitals Charity, the official fundraising body for West Herts Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Filbey, who joined the Hornets ahead of the 2024/25 season and recently won the club’s Goal of the Season award, marked her first day in the role by attending the opening of a new wellbeing courtyard at Watford General Hospital.
The space, situated within the Women’s and Children’s building, is designed to provide a peaceful outdoor area for patients and staff. It features four covered seating areas, solar-powered festoon lighting, and planters filled with spring flowers and cordyline plants.
Anna Filbey said: "I’m honoured to join West Herts Hospitals Charity as an ambassador. The work they do to help our local NHS hospitals go above and beyond is inspiring, and I’m excited to be part of their journey.
"The wellbeing garden is a fantastic investment in the mental and emotional wellbeing of both patients and staff. Hospitals can be busy and stressful places, so having a quiet outdoor space is a great addition."
The courtyard was inspired by Clinical Research Midwife Cheri Leanne, who approached the charity with her idea for a calming space accessible to those staying or working in the hospital.
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity, welcomed Filbey to her new role and highlighted the positive influence she can have: "We are thrilled to welcome Anna to our charity family.
"Her dedication to the local community mirrors our commitment to making a difference for patients and staff.
"Anna’s involvement will raise awareness of the vital work we do and help us connect with a wider audience.
"The wellbeing courtyard is a testament to the generosity of our supporters, and it’s wonderful to see Anna already making a positive impact by meeting our incredible NHS staff today.”
The courtyard is the latest in a series of projects funded by the charity, which aims to provide services and equipment that go beyond the standard NHS offering.
Recently, the charity completed a £200,000 appeal to purchase two SAVI SCOUT surgical guidance systems, which use radar technology to detect and pinpoint cancer within one millimetre, allowing for highly precise surgical removal.
Support for the courtyard came from a variety of local donors and contributors, including:
Watford Phoenix Choir, which raised £500 through a concert at St Mary’s Church
Firecracker Films, which donated £10,000
The NHS Big Tea Party, celebrating the NHS’s 76th birthday with a bake-off, live music, and sweet treats
The Wickes Community Programme, whose volunteers painted the brickwork, and donated pergolas, flowers, and peat-free compost
Additional contributions came from the family of Joseph W. Golding, NUGEN Electrical Contractors, ETA Projects Ltd., Hygienic Finishes (South) Ltd., G D Construction Ltd., and Brian Hargreaves.
The charity is now calling for further support to help maintain and enhance the garden, including donations of plants, planters, and gardening tools, as well as volunteers to assist with upkeep.