Picture special – Mission: Unbreakable takes to the mud for North Devon Hospice

More than 700 brave competitors conquered the Mission: Unbreakable commando challenge this weekend, raising vital funds for North Devon Hospice.

All pictures by Dave Keightley

Competitors tackled mud, marsh, rivers, hills - and more obstacles than ever - before to become an ‘Unbreakable’.

The funds they raised will help local people remain in the comfort of their own home while facing a life-limiting illness like cancer, thanks to North Devon Hospice’s team of community nurses who provide life-changing care in patients’ own homes.

It is a crucial time for the charity, with more people in North Devon living with incurable illnesses and needing their care, meaning services are stretched like never before.

The cost-of-living crisis has also resulted in a marked drop in donations to the cause, so every pound raised by those taking part in Mission: Unbreakable will make a huge difference to the patients and families who rely on this care at the most challenging time in their lives.

The course is designed with 24 Commando Royal Engineer Regiment, based at RMB Chivenor, with several brand-new obstacles making this the biggest Mission: Unbreakable event ever.

Their expertise helped to create a challenging 10km route in the rolling hills around North Molton, with obstacles worthy of the toughest commando courses.

Mission: Unbreakable has become famous for challenges such as The Sheep Dip - a fully underwater tunnel - and also includes a muddy crawl under barbed wire, an upstream river wade and a leap of faith over raging fire pits.

Among the first to cross the finish line and earn their coveted Mission: Unbreakable medals were the team from Wollens solicitors. The firm has been headline sponsor of the event since it debuted in 2015 and was delighted to once again get muddy for the cause.

“It was really tough, but so much fun!” said Jon Dunkley, who is a partner at Wollens.

“The Sheep Dip was one of our favourite obstacles, as well as the Assault Slide. It’s all for a fantastic cause, because North Devon Hospice is a charity which will touch all our lives at some point in time.

“We are very pleased to be headline sponsors and we’ll carry on supporting because we all know someone who has been wonderfully cared for by the hospice and we want that to continue. I’d recommend anyone taking part in Mission: Unbreakable, because it’s a great challenge but you’re guaranteed to have fun.”

Stephen Roberts, chief executive of North Devon Hospice, took on the course himself this weekend and praised all those who stepped up to the challenge.

He said: “On behalf of every patient and family member currently being cared for by the hospice, thank you to everyone involved. That includes the competitors, our sponsors, the army of volunteers and the incredibly generous landowners who make our unique course possible.

“It was so inspiring to see people push themselves to complete the course, knowing that the sponsorship money they have raised will make such a difference to local people in their darkest hour.”

Ali Hunt, head of fundraising at the hospice, added: “The funds raised will help our Hospice to Home team keep patients comfortable in their own homes.

“That is hugely important, because it’s where the vast majority of people want to be when facing a life-limiting illness like cancer. Thanks to everyone’s efforts today, we’ll be able to care for those who really need it, in the place they safest.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who has made Mission: Unbreakable possible, including our army of volunteers, North Molton Sports & Community Centre and the many generous landowners along the route.

“That’s not to mention our major sponsors such as Wollens, Birch Meadow, Pure Dental, EweMove, Simpkins Edwards, Atlas Packaging, Advanced Scaffolding, The Poltimore Inn, Torch Vets, Travel Chapter, Stannp, Griffiths Engineering, TP Pumps and Dryrobe.

“We’re also incredibly lucky to have the support of 24 Commando Royal Engineers, who make this event very special. It’s too early to say how much has been raised, but every pound will help care for someone local in their time of need.”