My mother was an amazing and loving woman, she devoted her life to helping people whether it was leaving school at 14 years old to look after her ill mother, taking children to school in a taxi, working in local schools as a dinner lady or working in a nursing home for over 20 years. She was a real mum who loved the simple things in life and enjoyed looking after our family.

My mother died from acute liver disease on the 3rd of December 2011. It was the single worst day of my life and one I'll never forget. She walked into Royal Preston Hospital on a Thursday 24th of November and deteriorated over the next couple of days. She was later admitted to intensive care where she died a couple of days later.

The hard part was the speed in which it all happened. Within 10 days she'd gone from walking about to having passed away. I've been through all the emotions and all the thoughts and what ifs; I had the general idea that if your liver isn't right then they can just give you a transplant and all is well, this is sadly not the case and I feel more research is needed into liver disease.

So in memory of my amazing mother and for a charity that is helping liver research I'm going to undertake the Tough Mudder Challenge. For those that don't know, Tough Mudder is advertised as "probably the toughest event on the planet" which is a 12 mile-long hardcore obstacle course designed by the Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. I will be working myself through mud, ice baths, fire and electric shocks.... but I'm going to do it and do it for a great cause.

Now if you can find it in your hearts to please donate generously I’d be very grateful and it would mean a lot.  

Many Many Thanks

Rob