A charity fundraiser will take place to raise money for people with life-shortening illnesses across west Hertfordshire. 

Registrations have opened for The Hospice of St Francis’ new five mile Mud Pack Challenge. Several teams from St Albans have already signed up to the inaugural event, including the CostA Mudathletes - who are made up of a mix of coaches, volunteers and parents from The City of St Albans Swimming Club. 

Kate Chadwick, one of the coaches, said: "The care hospices give is invaluable and we know what we raise will make a real difference to patients at our local Hospice of St Francis. With over 300 swimmers in the club, we’re hoping that we can get as many of our members as possible to sponsor us, with the odd cake sale which we love, to add to our fund raising."

The Hospice of St Francis cares for people with life-shortening illness from across West Hertfordshire including St Albans, Harpenden and Redbourn and has 14 beds for those in need of respite and advanced care.

It also offers workshops, clinics and complementary therapy for those with a long term illness at its adjacent Spring Centre. The Hospice needs to raise £4.7 million a year to fund its care.

The charity fundraiser will take place on Sunday, October 19, at Champneys, The Health Spa in Tring.

Fran Martin, senior community fundraising manager at The Hospice of St Francis, said: "The Mud Pack Challenge is suitable for all fitness levels, is open to anyone over the age of 15 and no experience is necessary - all that’s needed is a pair of trainers and a sense of adventure.

"It’s a brand new event for us and we hope will appeal to all ages and, in particular, new supporters."

For more information, visit: www.stfrancis.org.uk/mudpack.