Essex & Herts Air Ambulance has hailed the success of its first-ever Mission:Mud fundraising event, which raised £10,000 to support the charity's lifesaving work across Hertfordshire, Essex and surrounding areas.

The muddy obstacle challenge took place at Nuclear Wild Forest in Kelvedon Hatch on Sunday, July 12, attracting families, schools, friendship groups, sports clubs and local influencers for a day of fun and fundraising.

Sponsored by Utilize, participants tackled either a 60 or 90-minute course featuring more than 25 obstacles, including climbing walls, cargo nets, water crossings and giant slides, with plenty of mud along the way.

Entrants were encouraged to raise a minimum of £15 each, although many exceeded the target, helping the event generate £10,000 for the charity's 24/7 Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

The money raised will help Essex & Herts Air Ambulance continue providing advanced pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill and injured patients across Hertfordshire and Essex, with the charity relying entirely on public donations to operate.

As well as fundraising through sponsorship, supporters also bought exclusive Mission:Mud T-shirts, while every participant received a commemorative medal after completing the course.

Younger fundraisers also got involved through the charity's Coin Splat Collector Sheet challenge, collecting £1 coins to fill muddy splats before claiming a special prize at the event.

Francesca Gillott, Events Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said: "What an absolutely incredible turnout we had for our very first Mission:Mud event.

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"It was fantastic to see the local community come together with such energy, enthusiasm and team spirit in support of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

"On behalf of everyone at the charity, I want to say a huge thank you to every single person who took part, supported and cheered us on. Your generosity, determination and brilliant attitude made the day what it was - full of laughter, muddy smiles and unforgettable moments.

"From start to finish, the atmosphere was just amazing, and it was inspiring to see so many people throwing themselves into the challenge for such an important cause. Not only did we create memories that will last a lifetime, but we also raised vital funds that directly support our lifesaving work."

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance provides emergency medical care across Hertfordshire and Essex but receives no government or lottery funding, relying entirely on donations and fundraising events such as Mission:Mud to keep its helicopters and rapid response vehicles operational.

Residents wishing to support the charity can make a donation via the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance website.