A MAN is getting muddy this month to raise money for a children’s cancer charity.

Toby Pay, 21, from Lytchett Matravers will join a team of 14 University of London Air Squadron (ULAS) students to take on the Tough Mudder Midland’s challenge as part of its year-long partnership with Blue Skye Thinking.

The charity was set up by Andrew and Sally Hall after their four-year-old son Skye was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour, which he sadly died from last year.

The event takes place on May 30 and includes a 10-12 mile obstacle course designed to test physical strength and mental grit.

Toby said: “We’ve chosen to run Tough Mudder for Blue Skye Thinking because we were touched to hear about Skye’s incredible attitude throughout his treatment, the battle he fought against this illness and the side effects of his treatment.

“It was shocking to hear that this terrible cancer receives so little research funding, and what minimal progress there has been despite the big advances made in treating other types of cancer.

“It is a privilege to be raising funds for a charity in its infancy but with big ambitions, which we hope to help with. Everyone taking part is hoping to raise £100 each, which we will add to our team pot,” he added.

The ULAS team has already raised over £11,000 from various activities, such as London Underground collections and a charity bag packing at Sainsbury’s. Other fundraisers coming up this year include a wing walk, a coast to coast bike ride and collections at RAF air shows.

Sally Hall, founder of Blue Skye thinking, said: “This partnership aims to raise £10,000 for the charity over the next year which will make a massive difference to our goal of funding a three-year post doctoral researcher.

“Everyone has been so motivated and enthusiastic in all of their activities so far, so we thank them from the bottom of our hearts and wish them luck for the challenge.”

To support the team visit justgiving.com/teams/ULASTM