Challenge accepted! Three Mersey Care staff take on our newly added 'Inflatable Obstacle Challenge'
10 July 2026
The challenge will see them conquer a 15k course with giant inflatable obstacles to navigate to raise funds for Mersey Cares
Bouncing their way to the finish line!
We are thrilled that three Mersey Care colleagues are taking part in the Inflatable Obstacle Challenge on July 18 to raise funds for our mental health and community services. The event, at Clay House Farm in Knutsford, looks like the absolute most fun you could have on a run, with a 5K or 15K distance on offer, each offering a series of giant inflatable obstacles along the way.
And with a number of high-profile events already under their belts, Jennifer Young, Michael Allcock and Chris Lam, have signed up for the most challenging, 15K course!
Meet our challengers
Jennifer, an Administrator who works across Children's Community Nursing in Knowsley is a seasoned pro when it comes to fundraising events, previously taking on the Mersey Cares abseil as well as the Manchester Marathon and Manchester Half alongside colleagues Michael and Chris.
"We have done lots of sporting events together the last few years including Manchester Marathon, Manchester Half Marathon, Trail Run and Liverpool Half Marathon," shared Jennifer.
"I am beyond excited to be doing the inflatable challenge next Saturday; its right up my street!"
Michael, Named Nurse for Liverpool Children in Care is also no stranger to fundraising for Mersey Cares having previously taken on the Liverpool Santa Dash, Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge and the Liverpool 10k.
The team has made a fantastic start to their fundraising efforts. Jennifer shared that she started a running group earlier this year, and many of its members have already kindly donated, with more support expected in the coming weeks (a huge thank you!).
Speaking about her motivation for taking part, Jennifer said:
"Michael has done so much in the past to support Children in Care services, and I hope that whatever I raise can make a difference somewhere along the way."
When we caught up with Jennifer during the recent heatwave, with temperatures reaching 32°C, we asked her about how she was feeling about the distance and the added obstacles thrown in:
"I'll hopefully have lots of photos to share from along the way – that's if I actually survive the course!" she joked. "In this heat, I'm kind of wishing we'd opted for the 5K challenge instead of 15K, but in for a penny, in for a pound and all that jazz!"
Let's hope we see some cooler weather blowing in for mid-July!
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