FUNDRAISERS are getting ready to take the plunge for a good cause at the annual Gelt Gladiator this weekend.

Launched in 2015, the event takes place this year at Walton, near Brampton.

Competitors can take part in a number of races or obstacles. Participants can choose between the 10k, 10 mile, 6k and 3k.

The 10k event is the most popular event, testing all levels of fitness with a minimum of 30 obstacles throughout the course. It is described as a great team event so you can help each other around the course.

A team from Reays Coaches are set to tackle the 10k race on Sunday to raise money for Blood Bikes Cumbria. Beth Stephenson, Charlotte Hill and Kate Sparkes-McSevich will scramble through mud, wade through water and hop over obstacles all in aid of the Cumbrian charity.

Each year, Reays choose a charity of the year and this year chose Blood Bikes Cumbria which is why these ladies decided to tackle the obstacle for them.

Kate said: “I just thought Gelt Gladiator is such a masculine thing and it kind of started off as a bit of a joke and went from there.

“I’ve worked here for five years and like to do something every year or every couple of years.

“We just thought we’d do the 10k and keep it simple.

“I’m nervous but looking forward to seeing what it’s like.”

Beth is also nervous about tackling the course on Sunday but looking forward to it.

She said: “I didn’t actually think I would go through with it when I first signed up.

“I don’t want to be the last one round the course, which has kept me motivated.

“It’s a really good charity to support.

“They deliver to a lot of local areas and a lot of what they do is close to my heart so it was a no brainer to do it.”

Charlotte said: “I’m quite excited about it. We’ve not really had that much time to train but we should be alright.

“It’s a really good cause that the money will go towards.”

Also tackling the course with some friends is Gavin Storey, who is raising money for Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.

Gavin explained that the good work the charity do will spur him through the toughest parts of the course.

He said: “We have chosen to support Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw because they are a great charity that helps people living with incurable or life limiting illnesses and helps them live life as fully and independently as possible.

“Another reason we chose this charity is because one of the people doing it has had a family member who was helped by carers at Eden Valley Hospice.

“I have chosen to take part in Gelt Gladiator to challenge myself physically, but also because last year I couldn’t train due to a knee injury so I didn’t do particularly well with a lot of obstacles.

“But this year I’m ready, willing and able to do them.”

Thirty members from Aspatria Young Farmers group will also compete in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Sarah Horsley, secretary of the group, said: “We are so proud of each member willing to compete as we are only a small club.”

n Sport: Pages 26-30