Last updated at 16:03, Monday, 02 July 2012

LIKE the famous scene in Rocky these charity challengers punched the air after running to the top of a series of steps while training for the gruelling event ahead.

PUNCHING THE AIR: Undated Film Still Handout photo from Rocky Balboa Sylvester Stallone who starred in Rocky Balboa PA Photo/Twentieth Century Fox

A team of Furness working mums have been building up their fitness levels since Christmas in preparation for Total Warrior.

Alice’s Warriors will run a 10k course and face obstacles including an 8ft wall, swamps and tunnels on August 4 at Shap Abbey.

The team – made up of friends Laura Crellin, 35, Anna Rodger, 38, Ellen Jamieson, 35, all of Barrow, and Marie Cowen, 33, of Lindal – are taking on the challenge in aid of Alice Pyne’s charity, Alice’s Escapes – which provides free holidays for families with a seriously ill child.

They are a member down as Joanne Holmes, 34, of Barrow, ruptured her calf muscle in training.

The committed women, who were not particularly into keep fit or sport before, have been training four times a week, combining runs in locations around Furness, training with Iron Man competitor Paul Rodger, taking part in Martin Ostler’s boot camp sessions and completing the Energy For Life Walney Fun Run.

They have been powering up the steps in Barrow Park leading to the Cenotaph, reminiscent of the classic scene by film boxing hero Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia.

Mrs Crellin said the team has even used some of the music from the Rocky soundtrack for their training.

She said: “I’ve always fancied doing an army obstacle course and someone else had a link up on Facebook about it. I looked at it and thought ‘we can do this’. I thought it would be really good fun, something to do before we are 40, and we wanted to raise money for Alice’s Escapes. Alice and her family have been the inspiration behind this, when we get tired and it’s hard work we remember what others are going through.”

Mrs Crellin said the team is nervous of the tunnels and the 8ft wall, but added: “It will be fun, we know we are not elite athletes.”

Injured team member, Mrs Holmes, aims to cheer on Alice’s Warriors from the sidelines. Alice’s family also hope to attend.

Alice’s mum, Vicky Pyne, of Ulverston, said: “We are so grateful to these girls for undertaking this challenge for Alice’s Escapes. It looks a hard course but fun too. I had a look at entering, but decided against it as I’m climbing Kilimanjaro for Alice’s Escapes a few weeks later and can’t afford injuries. I really feel for Joanne having to pull out as she’s known Alice since she was a tot.

“The Total Warrior website gives you an idea of what these girls will be facing, but I’m confident that they’ll keep smiling throughout. I hope to take Alice up to cheer them on, along with Joanne and other Team Alice members.”

Alice’s Warriors can be supported at the Alice’s Escapes website www.alices-escapes.co.uk.

First published at 13:20, Monday, 02 July 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk