Merseyside Police Officers to take part in Worlds Toughest Mudder for local charity

Two Merseyside Police officers will be flying to the Nevada Desert this week to compete in the elite World’s Toughest Mudder 24-hour race, raising money for ‘Mummy’s Star’, a charity dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy.

Inspector Ian Jones and Sergeant Keith Swift, Community policing officers based at Marsh Lane in Bootle, qualified for the event after completing a gruelling 8-hour, Europe’s Toughest Mudder obstacle race this May in Belvoir Castle, Grantham, coming an exceptional 89th and 90th out of 900 entrants.

The World’s Toughest Mudder is a 24-hour obstacle challenge, in which the man, woman and/or team that completes the most 5-mile course laps will be crowned champion. Prize money of up to $10,000 is also up for grabs. It starts this Saturday, November 11.

Mummy’s Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy shortly after a birth. Their aim is to support pregnancy through cancer and beyond. More specifically the charity focuses on supporting women and families where the woman is diagnosed or treated for cancer during her pregnancy; or is diagnosed or treated for cancer within a year of her giving birth; or the families who have lose their female partner as a result of cancer. Mummy’s Star aims to be in a position where any woman presenting with cancer during pregnancy/post birth at any hospital nationally is referred to them and accesses the support they offer.

Inspector Jones said: “We have chosen Mummy’s Star due to the amazing support they offered a colleague and friend of ours who was battling cancer when pregnant. Any money raised means that women diagnosed with any cancer during pregnancy or within a year of a birth are able to reach Mummy’s Star and the specialised support they offer.

“They help families to meet others in a similar position, offer small grants to relieve some financial burden, give support to partners and the wider family, promote awareness and support research. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far and if anyone else can find some spare cash, even have one less coffee this week, you will be doing an amazing thing.”

Louise Harlow from Mummy’s Star said: “We are incredibly lucky to have this support from Ian and Keith. The funds raised will help us continue our work helping women diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy and beyond. Equally important is getting the message out there that we are here to help. Often women and families come to us feeling isolated and confused about their options or just exhausted from managing a young family alongside their treatment.

“Our specialised support allows us to tailor what we do to every individual, connect them with others in a similar situation and share our knowledge. We couldn’t do this without our amazing fundraisers. Thank you!”

You can donate money towards Ian and Keith’s fundraising target by visiting: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-jones89