A DARWEN firm has rallied round a grieving colleague to help raise £2,500 for East Lancashire Hospice.

Paul Brown, who works at Lucite International, took part in the Tough Mudder challenge earlier this year in memory of his wife, Liz.

Mr Brown, 49, alongside 10 family members, took on the 12-mile obstacle course designed by Special Forces to test strength, stamina, determination and camaraderie.

Liz, who died last year from breast cancer aged 48, was cared for by the hospice so Mr Brown decided to raise money to say thank you.

Mr Brown, a process operator at the firm in Duckworth Street, who has three children, Samantha, Laura and Rory, said: “While Liz was ill she spent some time at the hospice and received wonderful care.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who sponsored me.

“I would also like to thank Pauline Hale, Karen Nattrass, Marion May, Ann Hazlehurst and everyone at Lucite who helped raise such a fantastic amount of money.

“Brilliant team working helped us crossed the finish line and the camaraderie and sense of achievement was immense.”

Kimberley Hall, hospice fundraiser, said: “Paul and his family have really gone the extra mile by completing the Tough Mudder to raise funds.

“It obviously captured the imagination of his colleagues who have raised an incredible amount of money in memory of Liz.

“Their donations ensure the hospice is still here to care for people like Liz in the future.”