An Airedale Hospital worker will this weekend prove she’s a ‘Tough Mudder’ on a 12-mile assault course.

Nicola Riley will raise money for the hospital’s £60,500 Endoscopy Appeal by taking part in the endurance challenge in Skipton.

She trained with Keighley Cougars players in readiness for the gruelling trail, which involves mud, obstacles and even electric shocks! Nicola, 44, an estates officer at Airedale, joined the players’ training session last week for activities including rowing and stretching.

The exercises were designed to improve Nicola’s flexibility and increase her stamina and endurance ready for Sunday’s challenge at Broughton Hall.

Nicola, who lives in Barnoldswick, has worked for Airedale NHS Found-ation Trust for almost 27 years.

She decided to raise money for the hospital’s new endoscopy unit after being involved in its development.

Nicola said: “Tough Mudders is billed as ‘probably the toughest event on the planet’, and although most of its proceeds go to Help for Heroes, individuals are free to raise money for any charity they wish.

“Training has been difficult, particularly with the recent hot weather. This is a really big physical challenge for me – I will be totally out of my comfort zone.

“I am mostly training on my own by running and doing some core exercises, but training with the Cougars will push me a bit further and, hopefully, convince me I can do it.”

Cougars chairman, Gary Fawcett, said the club was proud to support Airedale Hospital’s Endoscopy Appeal as its nominated charity, and was happy to help train Nicola.

He added: “As part of our fundraising for the appeal, we make a donation of £2 for every employee from Airedale Hospital who shows their pass at a home game with this initiative, and with a bucket collection at the ground. We have so far raised more than £350.”

Visit justgiving.com/Nicola-Riley1 or text a donation with the words Endo60 £5 to 70070 to support Nicola’s fundraising effort.