Mums take on Tough Mudder
Along with her 'Muddy Buddies' Di Paradise-Kersey, Christine Parks, Ruth Bale and Sharon Crossley-Anderson, Michelle Chambers from Swindon took on the challenge of the Tough Mudder in Badminton on Sunday 19th August to raise money for Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).
Michelle said, “Being mothers of small children ourselves, we wanted to choose a charity that supported young children and families, that was local to us so that we can see how the money raised makes a difference.”
The challenge was no mean feat for Michelle who was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2016.
“I find high impact exercise difficult and often get dizzy during exercise and have to take breaks, not to mention how long it takes to recover from a tough workout! After coming off the medication this year, I am determined to manage the symptoms more naturally through diet, exercise, rest, and natural supplements, and the training for Tough Mudder gave me a bit more discipline to eat well, exercise more, and get the rest in when I need it.”
Michelle said her strong supportive team of 'Muddy Buddies' helped her through and they stuck together as a team throughout, helping each other over 13 obstacles along the 5-mile course.
However, it wasn’t just Michelle’s friends that got her through. Both Michelle and Di visited CHSW’s Charlton Farm in June to see for themselves what their fundraising would be helping to provide. Michelle said, “I was completely humbled and overwhelmed by the experience and it gave me that extra push on the day knowing I’d seen where our sponsorship money would be spent.”
Charlton Farm provides hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their whole family. The hospice provides parents a much-needed break from the ongoing strains of caring for their children at home, juggling professional and medical appointments as well as maintaining family life and employment.
Emily Mitchard, CHSW Community Fundraiser, said “These women put their bodies through the mill taking part in Tough Mudder. We are so very proud of them and, although battered and bruised, they completed the course and raised over £2000 for CHSW, which is fantastic!”