The members of our small fundraising team here in Harrogate are all incredibly devoted to Open Arms' cause of building brighter futures for some of Malawi's most vulnerable children.
Two of the team, however, are going far beyond the call of duty (and their comfort zones!) to raise much needed funds to support the crucial work of Open Arms Infant Homes.
How? By taking part in Yorkshire's Tough Mudder this July. (And when I say tough, I mean TOUGH...)
Inspired by a group of strong ladies at Lauren Randell Fitness in Harrogate, our team leader Claire signed up for what she thought would be a 10km run in the mud with a few slippery obstacles. (Erm.... not so much.)
And I remember our colleague Suzie mentioning in the office one day that she was looking for a challenge to conquer as she approached a... significant birthday, shall we say.
"Why don't you do the Tough Mudder with me? It'll be ace!", said Claire.
"Sounds fun - let's do it!", Suzie foolishly agreed.
[I kept my head down and quietly continued on with my work - tea and biscuit in hand - whilst frantically formulating a valid excuse in my head as to why I couldn't join them...]
Eventually, Claire and Suzie read the fine print. (Note to self - always read the fine print BEFORE signing up for a crazy challenge.)
The Tough Mudder is described as a 'beautiful nightmare' of 'seriously thick mud and extreme obstacles that ignite every fear receptor in your body.'
(Shhhh - I'm not sure they've seen that description yet...)
From crawling under barbed wire and through tear gas to subjecting yourself to electric shock therapy and an 'arctic enema', this course is certainly no walk in the park...
These ladies are not athletes and have never, ever done anything like this before.
What they are though is amazingly courageous, disciplined and determined - driven by knowing first-hand how far the money they raise will go in Malawi and how many precious, young lives it will help to transform.
To prepare for this crazy endurance event (that's putting it lightly), they are somehow fitting in some pretty intensive training in between work, family and other commitments - for which they continue to give their absolute all.
The countdown is on for the big day (Sunday 30th July) and the nerves have most definitely kicked in!
And as if completing this insane obstacle course is not enough, Suzie & Claire have also set themselves the challenge of raising a phenomenal £1,500 for Open Arms!
If you would like to show your support, please give what you can by sponsoring them here.
It will not only be an enormous encouragement to these brave ladies, but will most importantly help to provide lifesaving, life changing care to children in Malawi who desperately need it.
Go, go, GO Suzie and Claire! We're genuinely in awe of you and cheering you on all the way!
Now, back to my tea and biscuit...
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