They proved to be unbreakable! A five-strong team from Devon law firm Wollens were among 900 brave souls to survive one of toughest charity challenges of the year.
They had to conquer mud, marsh, rivers, hills and obstacles as part of this weekend’s Mission:Unbreakable – North Devon Hospice’s commando challenge.
The event was a record sell-out for the first time and it is hoped as much as £80,000 will be raised for the local charity, with every pound helping to provide vital care for those facing a life limiting illness.
The Wollens team comprised Mark Roome, Jon Dunkley, David Eastman, Natalie Lawrence and Tom Calder with partner Mark, who has taken part every year, saying after crossing the finishing line on Sunday: “This was the best one yet! I loved all the new obstacles as they brought a different dimension to the course, and because the event was a sell-out with 900 people taking part, there was an extra buzz at the start and finish area.”
Wollens were once again the headline sponsors of the challenge with Mark adding: “It is a genuinely tough challenge, so going through it as a team really brings you together. North Devon Hospice, and what it stands for, is close to all our hearts, so that was motivation enough for us. Mission:Unbreakable is an incredibly impressive event, and Wollens are delighted to be involved as headline sponsor yet again. So thank you to all who took part and we hope lots of money is raised for the hospice, because it is a charity that relies on local support.”
Mission:Unbreakable took participants on a 10km route, with the race HQ based at North Molton Sports Club. The course is designed in conjunction with 2 4 Commando Royal Engineers, based at RMB Chivenor. Among the dozens of challenges were a wade through iced water, a mud crawl under barbed wire and a leap over raging fire pits. There were also five brand new obstacles for 2019 including The Travellator, which made for a tough challenge for weary legs at the finish line.
Jess Burford Redgrove, from North Devon Hospice’s fundraising team, said: “The efforts of everyone at Mission:Unbreakable will make a real difference to the hospice. Each participant will be raising funds and together we hope to reach the £80,000 mark. This would allow us to provide vital care to local people who are facing the end of life, as well as providing support to their loved ones.”
She said the fact Mission:Unbreakable 2019 was a sell-out reflects the event’s growing reputation. “It was incredible have 900 people signed up this year, and word is spreading about what a fantastic experience Mission:Unbreakable is. But it’s only possible thanks to an army of volunteers on the day, the help of North Molton Sports Club and generous landowners along the route like Norman Kelloway and Margaret Mason. That’s not to mention our major sponsors such as Wollens, dryrobe, Simpkins Edwards, Gym Active, Advanced Scaffolding, Atlas Packaging, Holiday Cottages, Highbullen Hotel and Specsavers Barnstaple. We’re also grateful for the incredible support of 2 4 Commando Royal Engineers, while the biggest shout out goes to the fearless competitors who tackled the Mission:Unbreakable course today. You are inspirational. Thank you.”
To find out more about taking on other challenge events in aid of North Devon Hospice, please visit www.northdevonhospice.org.uk or call the fundraising team on 01271 347232.
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