Daring do-gooders joined forces to raise more than £11,000 for Saint Francis Hospice.

A group of thrill seekers took part in the Mission Mud challenge - organised by the Havering-atte-Bower charity - on Sunday, October 10.

Held at Nuclear Races in Kelvedon Hatch near Brentwood, the 5km muddy obstacle adventure saw participants run, climb and wade through water to fundraise for the much-loved hospice.

Romford Recorder: Thrill seekers raised more than £11,000 for the hospice, which provides care to more than 4,000 people across four boroughs.Thrill seekers raised more than £11,000 for the hospice, which provides care to more than 4,000 people across four boroughs. (Image: Trev Robinson Photography)

Dan Fage and seven friends from a Hornchurch gym generated £4,000 of the total raised.

As far as he's concerned, taking on this challenge - including the so-called death slide - was a "no brainer".

“We have all been touched by the compassion and humility of Saint Francis Hospice’s staff through our own personal experiences," said Dan.

Romford Recorder: The hospice's events manager Rosie Wren was 'thrilled' with how the Mission Mud event went.The hospice's events manager Rosie Wren was 'thrilled' with how the Mission Mud event went. (Image: Trev Robinson Photography)

Admitting he and his pals "didn't know what to expect from a course perspective", Dan was full of praise for the day out.

“We all thoroughly enjoyed the event - the camaraderie between groups and individuals was paramount in making this a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable event."

Romford Recorder: Dave Armstrong, John West, Darren Bridge, Nick Ramsden (at the back), Dave Gammon and Dan Fage. Front row left to right: Mark Cornish and Karl Horner.Dave Armstrong, John West, Darren Bridge, Nick Ramsden (at the back), Dave Gammon and Dan Fage. Front row left to right: Mark Cornish and Karl Horner. (Image: Saint Francis Hospice)

The money raised will go toward continuing the hospice's work, which sees care provided to more than 4,000 people across Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Redbridge and Brentwood.

A team of 150 nurses, doctors and specialist healthcare staff - supported by 800 volunteers - work to help those with life-limiting illnesses.

The hospice celebrated its 37th anniversary at the end of July by burying a time capsule centred around life during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus has seen around 20 jobs lost at the hospice, with chief executive Pam Court recently telling the Recorder that plans for a new building have hit the buffers due to affordability issues.

Romford Recorder: Participants pictured after finishing the 5k obstacle adventure.Participants pictured after finishing the 5k obstacle adventure. (Image: Trev Robinson Photography)

With the effects of the pandemic still acutely felt at the Havering-atte-Bower facility, every fundraising effort is greatly appreciated.

The hospice's events manager Rosie Wren said: “We are thrilled with how our Mission Mud event went and would like to say a massive thank you and well done to everyone who took part.

“We’d also like to thank everyone at Nuclear Races for all of their support with this event.”

Romford Recorder: A triumphant team pictured with their medals.A triumphant team pictured with their medals. (Image: Trev Robinson Photography)