A GROUP of women aim to conquer one of the toughest obstacle courses in the UK in order to raise money for a leading learning disability charity.

The team will be tackling South Gloucestershire’s infamous Tough Mudder Course, which takes place in Badminton on Saturday, August 19.

In a daunting 12-mile race, the women will face grueling obstacles including fire, ice and electric shocks.

But it's for a good cause, as they hope to raise over £1,500 for charity Mencap, whilst simultaneously raising awareness for people with learning disabilities.

Team member Sophie Spiteri, who also works as a marketing officer for the disability charity, said she “must be mad” to have volunteered to complete the brutal SAS style course.

She added: “It will, however, be a fantastic way to raise money for a cause that lies very close to my heart.

“I have worked at Mencap for almost five years, and it will be great to ‘give something back’ to an organisation that does so much fantastic work and for as many people from the local area to join us.”

There are 1.4million people living with a learning disability in the UK, many of who experience inequalities in every aspect of their lives, according to the Mencap website.

Individuals with learning disabilities tend to have difficulties performing everyday activities such as household tasks, socialising or managing money.

They often take longer to learn and may need support to develop new skills, understand complex information and interact with other people.

Rachel Croshaw, Mencap’s fundraising events manager, expressed her “delight” that the women will be raising money for the charity.

She said: “It’s a really tough challenge and the obstacles are always really hard – but everyone always says how much fun it is.

“We want to say a huge thank you to everyone running on behalf of Mencap, and a very big ‘Good Luck’.

"If anyone else fancies getting muddy for Mencap – get in touch!”

To find out more about Tough Mudder or to sign up to take part and raise money for Mencap, visit the Mencap website or email Rachel.croshaw@mencap.org.uk.