Four fitness fans from Kent took on a Tough Mudder to help fight meningitis
Martin Roby, from Deal in Kent took on the London South West Tough Mudder in September with partner Kirsty and friends Chris and Vince.
The group, who are part of a fitness class together at their local gym, knew they wanted to take on a challenge together, and were encouraged by their instructor to brave a Tough Mudder.
As a parent to two young children, Martin was aware of the risk of meningitis and had paid for his six year old son and two year old daughter to be vaccinated privately.
He was particularly motivated to support Meningitis Now as a child at his son’s school had contracted and survived the disease, and he was aware of local family, the Burdett’s tragic loss of their daughter Faye.
Martin said:
“Meningitis Now just seemed the perfect fit given these circumstances so I registered my interest.
“Kirsty, Chris and Vince agreed that meningitis was indeed a worthy cause and so we decided all to run for the same charity so that we could achieve an even greater amount of sponsorship”
Although the group were a little apprehensive about their fundraising target, they found that promoting their challenge through social media was really effective. They also looked for sponsors at their workplaces and kept in touch with the event organiser, Rachel Oakley.
Martin said:
“We were worried about meeting our target but donations came in bursts and in the end we raised £1,450 which was much more than we’d hoped for!”
“Rachel was reassuring throughout and offered help with fundraising if we needed it. She also posted out our charity t-shirts early to make sure that we could get a photo set up for the local paper.
“The Meningitis NowTough Mudder Facebook page was also nice touch, and kept us motivated.”
Before they knew it the big day had arrived, and now came the real challenge!
Martin said:
“The day itself was great fun. The course was not as bad as we had expected;
the organisers seemed to have created the perfect blend of encouragement, with
friendly volunteers at water and fuel stations with gruelling challenges
including an ice bath and electric shock obstacles!
“Teamwork is a big part of Tough Mudder and we not only helped each other round the course, but also helped and received help from, complete strangers along the way.
Rachel Oakley from Meningitis Now said:
“Martin, Kirsty, Chris and Vince all displayed an inspirational amount of enthusiasm and energy during their preparation for Tough Mudder.
“Within days of signing up, they had set up a team fundraising page, arranged a press launch for their local paper and were actively promoting their challenge in every way they could.
“I am so pleased that they enjoyed the event and am so grateful to them all for smashing their target to support the work of Meningitis Now.”
To find out more about taking part in a Tough Mudder and supporting Meningitis Now click here.
