Five council workers, along with 24 family and friends, got down and dirty with the infamous Tough Mudder challenge at Belvoir Castle in Nottinghamshire and flew the flag for the Black Country in the process.

The group, who were raising money for The Brain Tumour Charity and Mary Stevens Hospice, took on the 11 mile 'Tough Mudder' obstacle course in Black Country Festival attire, donated by Black Country T Shirts.

The group was led by Rachael Doyle, the council’s sport and physical activity manager, who was supported by colleagues Jo Ashton, Nina Meredith, Dave Corbett and Martyn Wassell, as well as 24 family members and friends. Together they completed the incredibly challenging 11 mile Tough Mudder obstacle course. They worked as one to run, scramble, slip and slide their way across the course, helping each other over obstacles in a huge team effort.

They took part to promote the upcoming Black Country Festival and to raise money for Rachael’s two chosen charities, The Brain Tumour Charity and Mary Stevens Hospice.  Rachael's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2015 and has spent the last 5 months being cared for in Mary Stevens Hospice. Rachael wanted to raise much needed funds for brain tumour research and to support the hospice which has provided excellent care and support for her husband and children. The group aimed to raise £1,000 but has already exceeded that, raising more than £4,000 to date, putting the group into the top 1% fundraisers for The Brain Tumour Charity that month and raising the equivalent amount of money to fund 16 days research into the condition.

Most of the participants finished the 11 mile course in 4 hours with the exception of Rachael who had to withdraw at 5 miles after suffering facial injuries after a nasty fall on one of the obstacles.

Mudder competitor Dave Corbett also undertook a second fundraising challenge, a 100k in 24 hours run over Brecon and the Black Mountains. 63 competitors started with just 28 managing to finish one of the nation’s toughest physical challenges. James Stevens, chairman of the Black Country Festival organising committee, said:

“I’m glad that we’ve been able to supply Rachael and her colleagues with t-shirts for this event to both promote the Black Country further afield but also assist Rachael in her fundraising efforts.”

Flags are available from Black Country T Shirts, Castle Street, Dudley, or by calling 01384 639 392.