A GROUP of friends are taking on a muddy challenge to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

Mark Lucas, Alex Lucas, Mike Lucas, Robyn Lucas and Scott Andrews, from Darlington, are tackling Tough Mudder North West next month, together with Paul Thompson and Jonny Gledhill, from Cheshire.

The group of seven is raising money for Harrison’s Fund, named after an eight-year-old boy who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal genetic condition which affects the muscles, causing muscle weakness.

Mark’s wife, Paula, who organised the team, said: “Mitchell, the little boy of our best friends, Kate and Steven, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy last September.

“Harrison’s Fund means a lot to her as she feels strongly that the best use of money goes towards funding research to try and find a cure for the illness.

“Therefore, it is important for all of us to do as much as we can to raise vital funds. Mitchell’s parents have raised over £7,000 in ten months already by setting up the group Muscles for Mitchell to raise money for Harrison’s Fund.

“We are very proud of all of the family’s efforts as they continue to fundraise.”

Tough Mudder is a 12-mile obstacle course, during which participants have to swim under tunnels, climb over mud slung walls, jump from high platforms into water and run through electrical current.

Paula added: “The team is looking forward to the event but with a little apprehension as by the very nature of its name, it’s going to be tough.”

To help the team reach their £500 visit justgiving.com/Paula-Lucas1