A charity is calling on Essex residents to get stuck in as a brand-new muddy obstacle event heads to the county this summer.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance has announced Mission: Mud, a family-friendly obstacle course taking place on Sunday July 12 at Nuclear Wild Forest, in Kelvedon Hatch.
Proudly sponsored by Utilize, the event invites participants aged six and over to tackle a fun but challenging course featuring climbing walls, cargo nets, water obstacles, giant slides and plenty of mud.
Participants can choose between 60-minute and 90-minute sessions.
Open to individuals, families, schools, sports teams and community groups, entry prices start from £30, with participants encouraged to raise at least £15 in sponsorship to support the charity’s lifesaving work.
The event is designed to combine fitness, fun and fundraising, allowing people to take part at their own pace while supporting one another through the course.
Essex & Herts Air Ambulance provides a 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Its crews of highly skilled pilots, critical care paramedics and pre-hospital care doctors deliver advanced emergency treatment directly to patients in urgent need.
With no government or lottery funding, the charity relies entirely on donations from the public to remain operational.
Francesca Gillott, Events Manager at the charity, said: “Mission: Mud is honestly so much fun. We had lots of laughter, plenty of mud and a brilliant sense of achievement at the end.
"It’s one of those challenges where you can do as much as you feel able to, cheer each other on and have a really memorable day together.
"What makes it even more special is knowing that every splash, climb and muddy crawl is helping to raise money for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.”
She added: “We rely on the support of our communities to keep our helicopters and crews able to respond rapidly to those who need urgent critical care, so taking part really does help make a difference.”
Participants can set up fundraising pages through platforms such as JustGiving, making it easy for friends, family and colleagues to donate.
The charity is also encouraging supporters to get creative with fundraising, including bake sales, quiz nights, school events and workplace activities in the lead-up to the event.
For younger fundraisers, a Coin Splat Collector Sheet offers a fun way to reach the £15 target by collecting £1 coins, with rewards available at or after the event.
On the day, participants will receive a medal, running number, access to more than 25 obstacles, hot showers, changing facilities, free parking and digital photos.
Spectators are also welcome, with food and drink available to purchase as they move around the course to cheer on participants.
Supporters can also purchase Mission: Mud merchandise, with proceeds going directly to the charity.
For more information, and to sign up, visit Mission: Mud sign-up page.
