Family and friends of Tony Hopper were muddy marvels as they raised cash in aid of the former footballer at Gelt Gladiator.

A host of adults and children took part in the endurance challenge to support Tony's fightback fund for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Among them were Tony's wife Sue and their eldest son Daniel.

They were among 2,700 entrants who were involved in the two-day event in Gelt Woods near Brampton, where this year's nominated charity was also the MND Association.

Sue said: "There were 10 of us adults on the Saturday, and on the Sunday the kids did it.

"We all really enjoyed it. The sun was shining, so that helped, and we all stuck together.

"On the Saturday we worked as a team, and on the Sunday the adults were all helping the kids round.

"They were all getting stuck in the mud. It was up to your waist! They loved it.

"Daniel did it with a few of his football friends and friends from school and he did really well - the only disappointment from him was at the end when he had to go home and have a shower!"

The Hoppers' youngest sons, Adam and Jack, were also there to watch, while Tony's brother David helped the kids' team round the course on Sunday.

It is not yet known how much they raised for the MND Association but it is certain to provide another significant boost to the fightback fund, which has already raised more than £14,000 for the charity.

"Mike James, who runs Gelt Gladiator, has been an absolute diamond," Sue added.

"It was really nice of them to make the MND Association the nominated charity.

"We'll definitely do it again next year."

Tony's fightback fund will help the MND Association's north and west Cumbria group, which supports people living with the disease and their families in the CA postcode area.

The former Carlisle United and Workington player was diagnosed with the disease in January.

To donate to the fightback fund visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Tony-Hopper

The News & Star is backing the Hoppers with our Fighting Back for Tony campaign.

* A FOOTBALL reunion at Northbank FC is being held today in aid of Tony Hopper.

It starts with a mini-football tournament at the 3G pitch at Harraby at 12.30pm before events continue at the Linton Holme Inn, including a raffle, auction and a performance by Palm Springs.