WHILE most people were doing last-minute wrapping or planning the next day’s festive feast, a group of fundraisers in South Somerset came together on the morning of Christmas Eve to tackle a charity obstacle course.

The Turkey Run Obstacle Course event was held Misterton Recreation Ground near Crewkerne and was organised by Mark Hughes.

The dad-of-two is raising money and awareness for those battling with the life-limiting mitochondrial disorders, which are inherited chronic conditions.

Sufferers include his 10-year-old daughter Sophie.

Mr Hughes said: “I had this idea of doing an obstacle course and was quite apprehensive that no-one would turn up, but on Christmas Eve morning I was busy setting up the course, looked over and saw quite a few people walking over the park to participate.

“It really made me smile to think that people are willing to go out of their way to help fundraise and keep fit at this overindulgent time of year.

"The obstacle course was 45 minutes of non-stop clockwise 600m loops of the park with hay bales, a crawl, tyres, fitness equipment stations and a steep hill climb, with the eventual winner Adam Pattemore running away with it by completing 12 laps.

“We raised a total of £100.50 which will go to The Lily Foundation who fund research into a cure for Mitochondrial Diseases.

“Many thanks to Misterton Parish Council for giving permission to use their park. I’m hopeful if they can give the go-ahead that this can be a yearly event.

“Now that I’ve done one, I could make it even tougher next year.”

For more information on The Lily Foundation, visit www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk.