JCB mud run raises £55,256 for charity

A bumper field of more than 2,500 people recently slithered and clambered their way over 35 obstacles along the challenging 8km course of JCB’s Mud Run. Organised on land at the company’s HQ at Rocester, and watched by an estimated 7,000 spectators, this 5th annual run raised £55,256 for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in Staffordshire, and brings the grand total raised for the charity since the event started in 2012 to over £230,000. George Bamford – son of JCB chairman Lord Bamford – was among the first wave of runners to set off, competing in a special 10km version of the race reserved for 9am starters. George later handed over the cheque to the NSPCC along with Zoe Cooper of Newcastle-under-Lyme, her brothers Ben and Sam Watts and sister-in-law Jayne Watts. Zoe’s late husband Andy, who worked for JCB, was a keen supporter of the event, taking part in every one since it started. He tragically died in a road accident near Rocester in March. The proceeds will support the work at Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the NSPCC’s service centre which was set up after JCB and its employees completed a £2 million fundraising campaign.