HUNDREDS of women will tackle an obstacle course through the mud in a new event to raise money for the fight against cancer.

Pretty Muddy will take place at Riverside Park, in Chester-le-Street on Saturday, June 24 - a women-only event around a 5km obstacle course.

The event, which is being held in the town for the first time, is part of Cancer Research’s Race for Life series of events.

Among the first to sign up have been members of Meadowfield Ladies’ Club amateur netball team, led by coach Heather Buckle.

The 52-year-old, from Old Shotton, Peterlee, was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 after finding a lump in her right breast.

Fortunately it was detected early and a lumpectomy was scheduled very quickly.

A netball development officer at England Netball, she underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and continued to run and play netball during the first half of her treatment, but then it began to take its toll and she experienced severe fatigue.

Mrs Buckle, who served in the RAF for 24 years until 2007, said: “I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the research carried out into cancer.

“Thanks to research I was able to beat cancer and show that it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

“Now I’m able to live life to the full and do something that I love”.

Event manager Claire Wase said: “We’re so excited to bring Race for Life Pretty Muddy to County Durham for the very first time.

“Pretty Muddy has all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k events - but with added mud, thrills and spills.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 5k event returns to St Leonards Sports Fields in Durham on Sunday, July 2.

To enter, go to raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770.