Nearly 900 soggy fundraisers waded, crawled, clambered and vaulted their way through nearly ten miles of muddy obstacles to raise more than £100,000 for charity.

The Hospice of St Francis’ second Mud Pack Challenge took place over the weekend at Ashridge House.

Men and women from all over the hospice’s catchment took part, including Paul’s Muddy Muckers, from St Albans, who took part in memory of popular scouting figure Paul Atkins, and 11-strong Muddy Team Sarah, also from St Albans, taking part in memory of Maples Primary School mum Sarah Green.

Both Paul and Sarah passed away at the Hospice last year.

Paul’s widow, Caroline, a Guide leader with the 2nd St Albans Guides, from Harpenden Road, led the team, which included her son James, and her sisters Louise Solomon and Michelle.

Hospice events manager Fran Martin said the event should raise more than £140,000 which will help the Hospice provide vital services for patients and families facing life-limiting illness both in the Hospice, at home and in the community.

Muddy Team Sarah, led by Chris Green, 45, from Batchwood Drive, took part for the second year running, but for the first time with Chris’s son, Verulam School pupil Tom, who plays football for St Albans City Orient under 16s and at 15.

Other team members were Susan Lonie, Clare Stanley, Gail Kellert, Liz Moyle, Jon Clark, Patti Seabright, Steve Sollis, Lisa Peach and Jim Peach - all of them from St Albans.

Chris said: “It was amazing – even better than last year. Being with a group of friends who Sarah got to know through Tom and his sister Florrie’s old primary school, Maple, was lovely.

“We all stayed together and helped each other through the obstacles and it was just great knowing that everyone was doing it for a good cause in memory of someone we’ve all lost.

“I never imagined I’d do anything like it but it was brilliant to do something completely different for the Hospice which gave such fantastic care to Sarah and has supported us all through the most difficult time of our lives.”