Seven mothers – and one father – with no adventuring experience have completed a gruelling obstacle course for charity.

They took part in the Nuclear Races 7km obstacle race in Brentwood, Essex, on Saturday, May 14, in aid of the North London Hospice.

The team completed the course together, which included jumping off platforms into water, negotiating a "death slide" and wading through several areas of waist deep mud and water.

One of the mothers, Helen Constantinou, said all team members came out bruised and battered, but were glad to support the charity, as they managed to raise £2,000, more than double their original target.

The 48-year-old from Oakwood said: “I was chatting to friends at the school gates, and said I wanted to do something for charity, something that would push me to extremes.

“A few said they wanted to get involved, and a few became a few extra. We have never done anything like this before, but courses like this are quite fashionable these days, and it was great fun.

“It wasn’t a race, we all just wanted to complete it safely, and we did.

“I am covered in bruises still, but I am exhilarated and feel a great sense of achievement. A few obstacles were straightforward, but there were things like climbing the fireman’s pole or jumping into the water that took a lot of guts.”

Ms Constantinou is ladies’ vice-captain at Bush Hill Park Golf Club, with the club’s chosen charity this year being the hospice. She said she hopes to complete more challenges for the charity this year.