Redbourn demonstrated its amazing community spirit once again as everyone pulled together to support mums raising money for the Hospice of St Francis.

Twenty courageous ladies (and one man) from Redbourn ventured out to complete the Mud Pack Challenge at Ashridge this weekend.

They set their target figure as £1,100 which, to date, they have over achieved by 1,560%.

To raise money for such an amazing cause is great, but to overachieve by an extensive amount is outstanding.

The team have raised over £17,000 and the donations are still pouring in. What makes this run so special?

Under a year ago the village lost Darren Duddy, described as "one of the good guys", to his valiant fight against cancer.

He was just 44 years of age and left behind his adoring family – his wife and soul mate, Sian, as well as his three children Georgina (17), Erin (11) and Harri (9).

His love of life and taking part in such events was inspirational and Sian and her Redbourn friends will complete the event in his memory.

“He was a beautiful, gentle ‘tough’ guy who touched the lives of many. He was taken away from his lovely family far too early at such a tender age. He always had time for everybody and his love and devotion for his family was truly inspirational”.

Darren is one of many who have received specialist care at the Hospice of St Francis and the team felt this was a fitting event to complete in memory of Darren and raise funds for this very deserving cause.

Local businesses have also been touched by the story and are supporting to raise more funds: Oli Spicer Fitness have provided free training, The Cricketers Of Redbourn, Mi Magazine and Le Crafty Frog have donated gifts and Redbourn Auto Solutions provided transport on the day.

Many businesses have also donated directly to the cause including a large corporate donation from Greenergy.

The Hospice aims to bring peace, comfort and dignity to patients and families facing serious illness.

They offer assessment and skilled clinical care, home and bereavement support. All care is free, it costs £4.7m to run their services each year, with only 20 per cent of from the NHS. It is not too late to support the team.

If you would like to donate, their Just Giving page will remain open and you can find out why people find it so compelling to donate: www.JustGiving.com/GIRLZ4D It has taken over 287 people to contribute towards over £17,000 for the hospice.

All donations are welcome no matter how small to support this fantastic cause. How much will you give today??

Based on information supplied by Melanie Wooding Jones.