It's tough mudder for Newbury mother and daughter

Natalie Gower, aged 21, and her mother Sue Gower, 50, who live in Dolman Road, Shaw, first took part in a 26-mile ‘Trekathon’ from Stonehenge to Avebury on September 27.
The pair then had just four weeks to recover before launching themselves into ‘Tough Mudder’ on October 25, which is renowned for being one of the toughest physical events in the country.
Created by the British Special Forces, Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed to test all-round strength, stamina, teamwork and mental grit.
Courses include challenges such as the notorious ‘Arctic Enema’, where participants jump into a dumpster filled with icy water, and ‘Everest’, where participants run up a quarter pipe coated with mud.
The pair were raising money in memory of their mother and grandmother, who lost her battle with cancer in September 2012.
They are hoping to raise at least £800 from the ‘Trekathon’, which will go to the Eve Appeal, which funds ground-breaking research into gynaecological cancer, focussing on developing effective methods of prediction, detection, treatment and improved care.
They are also hoping to raise a further £500 for Cancer Research UK from the ‘Tough Mudder’ challenge.
Sue said: “It was tough, as we expected, but I’m so glad we did it. It was definitely a case of mother and daughter working together. I felt like my mum was with me the whole way. I think she would have been proud.”
Natalie added: “It was incredibly hard, which wasn’t helped by the fact my hip gave way right at the start, but I got there eventually. Mum was amazing and carried me when I didn’t think I could do it.”
To sponsor Natalie and Sue, visit justgiving.com/Sue-Nat-Gower