Cold, wet, muddy – and loving every minute of it at Mission: Unbreakable

Hardy fundraisers have taken on mud, cold, water and obstacles to mark a record year for the annual Mission: Unbreakable event on behalf of North Devon Hospice.

The commando challenge saw a record 750 people take on the event last Sunday (October 5) by tackling a military-style 10k course in the rugged countryside surrounding North Molton, as well as more than 30 obstacles designed with the help of 24 Commando Royal Engineers from RMB Chivenor.

Above: A gaggle of Minions take on the Slip & Slide at Mission: Unbreakable 2025. Credit: North Devon Moving Image CIC

Mission: Unbreakable - kindly supported by headline sponsor Wollens - has become famous for its challenges including the ‘Sheep Dip’, and ‘Freezing Private Ryan’. This year saw a leap of faith from a tower as the final obstacle, with ‘CT1 & Out’ - sponsored by CT1 South West.

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Below: One of the event’s iconic challenges – Freezing Private Ryan! Credit: North Devon Moving Image CIC

Georgia Bedgood, the hospice event manager, said it was amazing to see people push themselves for the cause, but also have so much fun along the way.

She said: “Mission: Unbreakable is simply the best event, because you see people really dig deep and find inner reserves of courage they didn’t know they had. No matter their age or fitness level, everyone pushes themselves, and that’s so inspiring.

“But at the same time, the course is full of smiles and laughter because everyone is having the best time. It really is absolute joy to be part of, especially when it’s all for a cause as vital as North Devon Hospice.”

Above: Enthusiastic Mission: Unbreakable participants weren’t about to let a little mud put them off. Credit: North Devon Moving Image CIC

Headline sponsor, law firm Wollens, once again had a big team taking part on the day, as they continue their long-standing support of the event.

Above: The team from Mission: Unbreakable headline sponsor Wollens. Credit: North Devon Hospice

“It was freezing, but so much fun!” said Katy, who was taking part with Team Wollens for the first time.

“The huge jump at the end was brilliant, and support from all the volunteers the whole way round was really motivating too.”

Above: The North Devon Hospice fundraising team at Mission: Unbreakable. Credit: North Devon Hospice

“I think the Sheep Dip was my favourite part!” added Rebecca, another from Team Wollens.

“So, so cold but we got great encouragement and it’s also for an amazing cause. We loved it.”

Above: Members of 24 Commando Royal Engineers who helped to design the Mission: Unbreakable course. Credit: North Devon Hospice

Stephen Roberts, chief executive of North Devon Hospice, added: “We’re so grateful to headline sponsor Wollens and all the amazing companies who’ve made today possible

“Thanks to them, we’re able to put on an event which is without comparison in the South West. It’s a huge operation, but to have 750 people sign up to take part is incredible, and they all enjoyed themselves while really going the extra mile for our hospice.

“Every pound they raise will help a local patient or family member, who is facing a life-limiting illness. It doesn’t get more important than that, and we want to thank every single person who has helped in any way.”

Above: A brief warming respite during Mission: Unbreakable and (below) More than 100 volunteers helped out at Mission: Unbreakable. Credit: North Devon Hospice. 

North Devon Hospice would like to thank sponsors: Wollens, Advanced Scaffolding, Pure Dental Centre, Parker, Trees for Good Causes, Stannp.com, Smurfit Westrock Atlas, CT1 in the South West, Lycette Care, Simpkins Edwards, Torch Farm & Equine Vets, TP Pumps, Vertu Exeter MINI and dryrobe®.

Thanks also go to the army of nearly 100 volunteers on the day, the local landowners and farmers along the course, as well as 24 Commando Royal Engineers, North Molton Sports Centre, Apex Safety, National Grid, Kirkham Tyres, DB Max Timings and Park School.

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