A rugby league coach will face a completely new challenge when he takes on fire and ice in the gruelling Total Warrior course today.

Carlo Napolitano, who coached the Italian national side between 2011 and 2013, is joining forces with Team Apatchy as they bid to overcome 30 daunting obstacles and raise both money and awareness for Alopecia UK.

He will be joined by 20 other people from around the country who are making their way to Shap for the 10km event, which is now in its sixth year.

Carlo is also one of 10 members of Team Apatchy who suffers from alopecia.

Through his rugby connections, has also convinced former England and Bradford Bulls star Nathan McAvoy and Adrian Morley – who played for Warrington and England - to join the team.

Total Warrior has become a landmark date in Cumbria’s ever-expanding endurance sport scene, attracting people from all over the country to take part in the daredevil obstacles.

Team Apatchy is one of a number of groups of friends, workmates and fundraisers who are joining forces to take on the challenge.

Among its other members is Jen Chambers, who has suffered from the condition since she was 11.

Jen, who is originally from Workington and now lives in Cockermouth, is events and support manager for Alopecia UK and last year appeared on the TV show Too Ugly For Love? about people who have hidden physical conditions that might be kept a secret on a first date.

“We had an Alopecia UK event at Alton Towers and while we were there we started discussing what we could do for our next fundraising event,” the 32-year-old told the News & Star.

“I pointed out that International Alopecia Day always falls around the same time as Total Warrior – the first weekend in August – and suggested we should do it. This year they’re both on the same day.”

All 21 members of Team Apatchy will be donning wigs as they make their way around the course, setting off from the start line at 2pm. Jen’s friend, Sarah Gregory and Sarah’s brother, Kevin Brown – who are both from Workington – are also part of the team. “In total we’re hoping to raise around £2,500,” Jen said.

“We’ve got people coming up from London, Bristol and The Wirral to take part. We’re also holding our Alopecia UK Big Weekend in Glasgow between September 2 and 4 and want to raise as much awareness so that anyone who is affected comes to that.”

Endless hills, cold rivers, sticky mud and 30 punishing obstacles stand between the start line and a finishing beer for all those taking on Total Warrior.

The events sells out months in advance – last year more than 7,000 people flocked to it.

Total Warrior holds two other events, the next is Edinburgh in September.

The event comes at a time when the world thinks of getting active, inspired by the Olympics.

Various agencies are encouraging people to get sporty to tie in with the games.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so to any member of the Apatchy Warriors by visiting www.justgiving.com/teams/apatchy-warriors-2016

For tips and help on how to get active in Cumbria, go to www.goactiveincumbria.com.