ULTRA-FIT Hexham butcher Thomas Jewitt is again preparing to get knee deep in mud to raise funds for a local charity.

The 21-year-old, of Haydon Bridge, was the fastest finisher in last year’s Mad March Mare mud event at Hexham Racecourse in an incredible time of 47 minutes, a whopping 19 minutes ahead of the runner-up.

He has again signed up to the 10K multi-terrain event, which has 35 natural and man-made obstacles on March 4, and is hoping to defend his crown, while also raising money for Hexham-based Tynedale Hospice at Home.

The charity, a nominated charity of Mad March Mare alongside St Oswald’s Hospice, provides nursing care in the home, family support and hospital transport services to people living in the areas of West Northumberland, Tynedale and Ponteland.

Thomas said: “I’m an extremely active person and love to challenge myself and the Mad March Mare is perfect event to put my fitness to the test. But the fact that Tynedale Hospice at Home is one of the nominated charities for this year’s event is one of the reasons I’ve entered again.

“My mum is a hospice support worker so I am very aware what a lifeline the charity is to people who need end of life care and the other vital services they offer.

“Knowing that I’m raising funds that will make a real difference to people in my local community is a huge motivating factor and I want to raise as much money as possible.

“I have already started training and currently run up to seven miles every day, so I’m hoping to be in peak condition in time for March.”

Laura Elliott, fund-raising manager for Tynedale Hospice at Home, said: “Thomas is a real inspiration. His grit and determination is admirable and we are so grateful that he’s chosen to get involved and raise sponsorship for our Hospice.

“It costs over £700,000 a year to run our services, of which 90 per cent must be raised through voluntary giving and charitable donations.

“Sponsored events like this are a vital part of our fundraising calendar and all funds raised will make a real difference to the people who use our services.”

To support Thomas in his fund-raising efforts, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Thomas-Jewitt.