Residents of Abbots and Kings Langley are being asked to get filthy for their local hospice in a fundraising event this year.

The Mud Pack Challenge is a five mile adrenalin-fuelled obstacle race for all fitness levels to raise money for The Hospice of St Francis. It is set to take place on Sunday, October 19 in the grounds of Champneys in Tring.

The event will be raising money to fund the work of the hospice, which needs £4.6 million a year to fund its free care for people living with life-shortening illnesses.

Promising lots of "muddy fun", participants will test their strength and stamina by crawling, jumping, climbing, scrambling and sliding through various obstacles including water and mud, across beautiful gardens, parklands and forests.

Fran Martin, Senior Community Fundraising Manager, said: "I am so excited about our newest fundraising challenge. We’ve wanted to put on an event for ages that offers local people the chance to do something a little out of the ordinary and are so grateful to Champneys for allowing us to use their exclusive grounds.

"Not only will the event deliver a huge sense of achievement it will also raise much-needed funds to help the Hospice’s vital work through entry fees and sponsorship.

Watford Observer:

"We’re hoping it will incentivise local people who haven’t fundraised for us before to get involved as well as offer an exciting new challenge for our regular supporters."

The event is open to anyone with a basic level of fitness and no specific training is required. It’s perfect for individuals and also fun for friends or as a team building activity for work colleagues.

Louise Day, Wellbeing Director at Champneys the health spa, said: "As a local organisation dedicated to helping improve wellbeing, we were delighted to be asked to help the Hospice of St Francis with this fundraising event. Our wonderful grounds are used by our guests and health club members for walks and outdoor exercise classes but I’m sure this is the first time that anyone has constructed an obstacle course here."

Hospice Director, Dr Ros Taylor MBE, DL added: "Our fundraising team is always looking at new ways to meet our huge annual income target and I’m confident the Mud Pack Challenge is going to be one of the highlights of our events’ calendar. I’m always humbled by the hundreds of people who fundraise for us but will definitely be in awe of those who are prepared to go the extra mile and wade through mud to raise money to fund our special care!"

The course is being designed by local Personal Trainer Paul Stevens in conjunction with the Framework Foundation, led by 100-marathon hero Matthew Loddy, who will be providing scaffolding for some of the obstacles.

To register, visit www.stfrancis.org.uk/mudpack.