Don't miss out on this year's Mission: Unbreakable - North Devon Hospice

The whole range of human emotions are on show at Mission: Unbreakable, by Leo Cooper, Head Marketing and Communications at North Devon Hospice

I get a range of reactions when I talk to people about Mission: Unbreakable. Some people’s faces light up at the prospect of 10km worth of mud and mayhem in the Exmoor countryside. Others recoil in horror when they hear about the 30+ devilish obstacles along the route.

Here at North Devon Hospice, we’ve had the pleasure of organising Mission: Unbreakable since 2015 and it has become one of our biggest fundraising events, helping to provide vital hospice care to local people. As someone who has been lucky enough to be at every single iteration of the event down the years, the thing that most warms my heart is the sheer range of emotions on show.

When participants are arriving at Mission: Unbreakable HQ, on what is always a crisp autumn morning, I can sense the excitement of some and the nervousness of others. For plenty of people, it’s a poignant day too, as they are taking part in memory of someone who has died.

No matter how people feel at the start line, it is certain they will go through an emotional journey over the ensuing 10km. Those excited by the challenge will find their enthusiasm tested when a tough obstacle or another long hill comes into view. Those who may be dreading it to start with will be inspired by their own inner strength and ability to rise to the challenge. It’s this sense of going to the well, showing yourself what you are capable of, which makes Mission: Unbreakable so special.

In my role, I’m lucky enough to capture images and video of participants at various stages of their physical and emotional journey. It’s always a truly inspiring experience.

When you think of a commando obstacle course like Mission: Unbreakable, designed by soldiers from RMB Chivenor, you might automatically assume those taking part are akin to Adonis himself. But the beauty of this event is that it’s genuinely for all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. Sure, there are some who can shimmy up a rope in seconds flat, while others will have to summon every ounce of strength in their being just to get halfway up, but even that is an immense achievement that is celebrated.

At Mission: Unbreakable, you’re not racing the clock, you’re not competing against other people, you’re not even battling the obstacles (because none of them are mandatory).

You’re simply there to prove to yourself that you can accomplish more than you ever thought. If you think you’re a fit person, then prove it to yourself. Smash that course as quickly as you can. If you think you won’t be able to even get round, prove yourself wrong by digging deep and making it to the finish line, even if it’s at a crawl!

In my eight years of watching people discover their abilities at Mission: Unbreakable, I have seen such displays of strength and determination, often from the most unlikely of competitors.

The sense of camaraderie around the course, where fellow participants and the Commandos from RMB Chivenor cheer you along the whole way, makes this a unique experience. It gives you the encouragement needed to dig deep and find an inner strength you didn’t know you had.

And of course, when you cross that finish line, the elation is unmatched. It is my favourite place to stand because people share laughs, tears, and hugs in equal measure.

They know they’ve done something special, and not just on that day. Completing Mission: Unbreakable is a personal triumph, but a selfless one too, because the funds raised will change lives locally.

Your efforts mean that someone can be wrapped in the comforting warmth of hospice care when facing an illness like cancer. Maybe that’s what pushes people to unlock their inner strength and make it to the finish line?

This is your last chance to be part of this special occasion, as registrations close at midnight on Sunday 1st October. Visit www.missionunbreakable.co.uk.