There are many reasons to take on a Tough Mudder. Whether it’s a weekend activity, looking for an adventure or as a fun workout. But the reason that strikes an extra chord is those who run for charity, and in memory of loved ones. That is exactly the case for Rachel Armitage who has completed a tough challenge at Tough Mudder Midlands in memory of her mum.
After losing her mum 15 years ago, Rachel marked the landmark year by taking part in the Tough Mudder Midlands event on Sunday 24th April at Belvoir Castle with her cousin Julia Hancox.
The cousins are aiming to raise £1,000 for Breast Cancer. In memory of Rachel’s mum and Julia’s aunt Anne Grafton, who died of breast cancer in 2007 aged just 52.
The tough challenge saw Rachel and Julia complete our 10K course where they tackled 20 obstacles, including an ice bath at Arctic Enema, electric shock wires at Electroshock Therapy. Then climbing nets, monkey bars, several muddy pits and tunnels.
The Reason Why We Mudder
Rachel told us: “I chose to do Tough Mudder because I wanted to take on a tough challenge to mark 15 years since we lost my mum Anne to breast cancer. It was incredibly tough, but nothing compared to what my mum went through during chemo. We had so much fun doing it though, despite the physical and mental challenges of the course and the camaraderie between us Mudders really got us through it.”
Rachel’s Story
Admittedly not a fan of running, Rachel said she deliberately chose a challenge to complete as compared to the suffering her mum went through during chemotherapy, this is a “drop in the ocean”:
“I really don’t enjoy running so training for this challenge has been really hard. Especially as the weather has been cold and wet and the last thing I’ve felt like doing after a long day is to go for a run,” she said.
“But after my mum went through years of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy and her body went through a lot during cancer treatment. I think I can push myself through one day of tough obstacles and running.”
Rachel has taken part in many fundraising challenges over the years since her mum’s death. Including the Great North Swim across Lake Windermere in Cumbria in 2014 with Julia and a half marathon in their home city of Wolverhampton in 2017. Tough Mudder was the hardest challenge yet as the aforementioned half marathon left Rachel with a knee injury which she struggles with to this day.
Julia said: “Neither of us are particularly fit and it’s going to be tough, but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got and hopefully raise as much money as possible for a great cause.”
To make a donation to Rachel and Julia’s fundraising challenge, visit their JustGiving page.
Make your event day even more special by tackling the course to raise money for your favourite charities and the causes close to your heart.
