Chris braves Tough Mudder for us

We’re taking our hats off to Chris Smallwood, who has really put himself through it on our behalf.

Chris, of Derwentthorpe, was one of an army of gutsy competitors who took part in the Yorkshire Tough Mudder event in Skipton in July.

Chris ran in honour of his mum, Debbie, after she was diagnosed with throat cancer earlier this year.

“I felt a lump in my throat that was getting bigger and bigger,” recalled Debbie, of New Earswick. “Someone actually said to me, ‘your glands look swollen’, so I went to the doctor and was referred.”

Debbie underwent surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy and after enduring a tough time, the family enjoyed a break in our Filey respite property.

“I was at a pretty low point when my Macmillan nurse mentioned the property and I thought it seemed like a damned good idea!” said Debbie. “It was gorgeous, and we had a lovely time.”

The property impressed Chris as he was thinking about taking on the Tough Mudder race.

“Me and a few friends wanted to do Tough Mudder and I wanted to do it for a reason,” he said. “I saw this as an opportunity, because of your property and the research work that you support.

“It was very wet and it was very cold, with ten miles of running and 22 obstacles, but it went fine – I am going to do it again!”

Debbie went to cheer Chris on at the event. “I was so proud of him!” she said. “It was brilliant.”

Chris raised £225 and popped into the office with Debbie to hand over the cash. We’re really grateful to him and his mum for thinking of us.