'Tough Mudders' raise money for SeeAbility

Staff at Optix Software made it to the finishing line in a gruelling 12-mile Tough Mudder Challenge on Sunday (7 August) and helped raise over £1500 for SeeAbility.

The military style course at Broughton Hall in Skipton is designed by the army’s special forces and pushes participants to their physical limits with a series of mud-soaked, “stamina-sapping” underground and climbing challenges.

Twenty-one staff and partners from the York-based optical business management software company ran through wires containing 10,000 volts of electricity – twice the voltage used in livestock fences – and other tough obstacles for the charity, which supports people who have sight loss and multiple disabilities.

Optix support team member, Sasha Taylor, said: “I can’t believe we actually did the Tough Mudder. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was a kid. It was actually amazing and everyone’s support and encouragement meant the world to me.”

Fellow team member, Paul Simpson, said: “It’s probably one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done, but at the same time one of the most rewarding.”

Optix director of customer services, Lee Atkinson, said: “What a fantastic day and such a valiant effort by all. Magnificent team work got us all over that finish line.”

Trevor Rowley, managing director of Optix Software and Viewpoint Opticians in York, said: “I had a very enjoyable day watching some of my staff being electrocuted. In all seriousness, I am in awe of everyone who took part and completed such a horrendously hard assault course.

“The fact they have done this to raise money for such a worthwhile cause is even more credit to the team, and I want to say well done to them and all the other crazy Tough Mudders.”

SeeAbility helps people who have sight loss and other disabilities, including learning and physical disabilities, mental health difficulties, acquired brain injury and life-limiting conditions.

To make a donation, go to the Justgiving page for Optix.