COMPANY boss Tim Irlam and his team waded through half a million litres of mud on their way to smashing their fundraising target for a hospice.

The five-strong team from Irlams estate agents in Knutsford were tired but triumphant after completing the Tough Mudder North West challenge.

They were hoping to raise £1,500 for East Cheshire Hospice, but the donations poured in, and the total currently stands at £1,845.

The team consisted of director Tim Irlam, Daniel Hutchings, Anthony Leach, Matthew Fairhurst and Gina Hughes, who tackled the tough 10-mile mud and obstacle course at Cholmondeley Castle.

“The course comprised more than 20 obstacles, wading through 500,000 litres of mud and 40 tons of ice-cold water,” said Gina.

“After months of training for this event it was worth every effort, and at the finish line we all agreed it was very exhausting and very muddy.

“We showed excellent teamwork, relying on each other to get through the obstacles, and there was lots of fun and laughter along the way.

“Are we mad? Yes, but all for an excellent cause. At some point in our lives we are all affected by cancer or other life-limiting illnesses.

“Earlier this year a member of our team lost someone very close to them, so having experienced first-hand the level of care East Cheshire Hospice provided for them and their family, supporting this charity was an easy decision to make.”

Gina added that Irlams was very proud to support East Cheshire Hospice, and had become a member of its new corporate giving scheme, the 500 club.

This is a pledge to raise at least £500 over the year through charitable events and donations.

East Cheshire Hospice provide palliative care and offers support to many local families, and relies on fundraising for more than 80 per cent of its daily costs.

The Tough Mudder website says: “Tough Mudder is a 10-mile mud and obstacle course designed to drag you out of your comfort zone by testing your physical strength, stamina and mental grit.

“With no podiums, winners or clocks to race against, it’s not about how fast you can cross the finish line. Rather it’s a challenge that emphasises teamwork, camaraderie and accomplishing something almost as tough as you are.”

To support the Irlams team visit justgiving.com/fundraising/irlams