A TEAM of 22 runners, including Harlow business woman Ruth O’Connor, have raised over £6,500 for Motability in the mud-filled obstacle race, Lactic Fallout.The team completed the 12km course earlier this month, which consisted of 33 natural and man-made obstacles on undulating farmland, rivers, lakes, ditches, woodland and bogs around Brentwood, Essex.

Ruth, who owns ROC Hair & Beauty based in Old Harlow, organised a number of fundraising activities within her salon, leading up to and after the event. Her fundraising efforts, along with 21 other participants raised money for Motability.

Ruth said: “I am used to road running, so the Lactic Fallout was something completely different. I clambered through thick mud, pulled myself through ice-cold rivers and fell into and out of numerous ditches. It was a fantastic challenge and I am proud that we have raised so much money for Motability.”

“I would like to thank everybody who took part in the Lactic Fallout and raised money for Motability,” said Aine Canavan, Corporate Accounts Executive for the charity. “Our charitable grants programme supports disabled people who cannot afford the right car or adaptations for their needs, or young disabled people with the cost of driving lessons. Money raised from events like this makes a big difference to disabled people and their families.”

Motability’s charitable work relies on voluntary income and aims to raise around £2.5 million each year to help customers who would otherwise be unable to afford the mobility solution they need. This income is raised through charitable trust and foundation donations, corporate support, individual fundraising and from trading activity.