Muddy challenge to beat cancer

Lisa Millett, 31, joined by Rachel Speight-McGregor, 46, are launching the unique obstacle course – with added mud - which takes place for the first time at Ripley Castle on Saturday, July 9.

The women work for Cancer Research UK but have their own personal motivations for issuing the rallying cry to women having lost family and friends to the disease.

Lisa, from Harrogate, who lost her dad to cancer, said: “Myself and Rachel took on Pretty Muddy for the first time in York last year and we can’t wait to do it again. It’s even better that this time it’s right on my doorstep. It’s such a fun event and we hope women across the area will come and join us and let’s hope the muddier we get, the more money we’ll raise.”

Lisa’s dad Keith Millett, the former deputy head of Granby High School, died in August 2004, just 55 years old, after a long battle with oesophageal cancer.

She added: “I’m determined to help others by raising money so Cancer Research UK can help even more people survive. That’s why I’m urging the women to take part in Race for Life and help beat cancer sooner.”

Rachel, who is well known for taking part in Race for Life in her Piglet costume and leading the warm-ups, will also be back again this year to take on the mud at Ripley Castle with her sisters.

Rachel said: “As with any of our Race for Life events it’ll be an emotional day as I’ll be thinking of friends and family the whole way round the course, but this is a great way to fight back and also celebrate those who have beaten the disease.”

The pair are encouraging women of levels of fitness to swing into action and sign up now for the 5k challenge, which sees women slip, slide and splash their way over, under and through a range of obstacles from scramble nets, tunnels and hurdles, to the final challenge of the giant inflatable slide – all to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

The Race for Life family of events also includes the traditional 5k course at the same venue on Sunday, July 10. Enter at raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.