Almost everyone I know has been touched by cancer so a gang of friends and I did our bit to fight it.

We took part in Pretty Muddy – a muddy 5km obstacle race in Basildon – for Cancer Research UK.

We all had our own reasons for taking part – some of us wanted to raise awareness and others wanted to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost to this cruel disease.

I ran in memory of my Auntie Janet, who sadly lost her battle with cancer in 2002, and my Grandted, who supported my Nanna during her fight and recovery.

I know they would have found it hilarious to watch me crawl through mud and army nets, drag myself over inflatable slides and get completely covered in mud so this seemed like a fitting tribute to both of them.

Dressed in pink with lipstick war paint on our faces, our team tackled climbing frames, hurdles, slides and muddy pools alongside thousands of other women, all hoping to raise funds to find a cure.

It was an incredibly emotional day as thousands of women, completely covered in mud and with inspiring messages of love and hope pinned to their backs, ran across the finishing line.

Seeing the love and determination at the race makes me hopeful for the future.

One day we will beat cancer.

Donate at www.justgiving.com/letsgetprettymuddy