A team from a St Albans leisure centre put themselves through a gruelling ordeal to raise nearly £3k for charity.
Staff from Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre participated in the notorious GRIM challenge based in Aldershot.
The team, consisting of workers from different departments including personal trainers and IT managers, managed to raise £2,700 for Breast Cancer UK.
The course saw participants navigate a wet and muddy eight-miles which takes place over an army vehicle testing ground, known for thick glutinous mud, waist-high water and freezing conditions.
Lesley Garner, Westminster Lodge Centre Manager, said: “A member of our team at Westminster Lodge is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, which is why we decided to take up the challenge.
“It’s very fitting, given our mission as a centre, that they’ve been so physically active in raising so much money for a charity close to all our hearts.
“They’ve (also) demonstrated that, although this was extremely testing – both physically and mentally - it was also a huge amount of fun.
“We’re so proud of them for raising £2,700 to date for this important cause, and I’m sure they will end up with an even higher total.”
Colleagues from Harpenden and Batchwood Leisure Centres were part of the 17-strong group.
The team was led by Area Contract Manager, Steve Cox, who played a vital part in orchestrating the fundraising initiative.
The GRIM challenge has been a feature in the charity-athletics scene for nearly two decades.
It pitches participants against intense conditions, such as waist-high waters and freezing temperatures, and the event draws competitors from various locations who desire to race and raise charity funds.
The primary objective of Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre is to advocate the fitness-for-all philosophy, ensuring the centre's facilities and expertise are accessible to all, regardless of age or ability.
To support the leisure centre's charity endeavour, you can donate through the team's JustGiving page, which is still accepting donations.
Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre is operated by Everyone Active in partnership with St Albans City and District Council.
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