Protec pals in Pretty Mudder tribute

Protec Ladies Pretty Muddy Team who are taking on the Pretty Mudder challenge in Manchester to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of Lesley Coxall.

The 13 women, who work at the company’s Lomeshaye Estate office, will take on the 5km challenge with thoughts of Lesley Croxall (44) at the forefront of their minds.

Lesley, from Colne, died in June, four days after her 44th birthday, and money raised by the group will go to Cancer Research UK.

She had overcome breast cancer in her 30s and was battling bone cancer, initially having been given six weeks to live in October last year.

Paying tribute, Lesley’s former colleague Diane McWhinnie said: “Lesley finished work in the November but we kept in touch and had girls’ nights and pyjama parties.

“She had always wanted to see fireworks on the beach so we also did a bit of fund-raising and had a big firework display in Fleetwood for her.

“Lesley lived life to the full, she was always good fun to be around. She was a very generous, caring girl and was always there for us as a truly good friend.

“Throughout her illness, she always looked on the bright side of life, and tried her best to make the most of the time she had.

“Most of all, to us all she was, brave, amazing and inspirational to the very end. We were very lucky to have had Lesley as part of our lives, unfortunately it wasn’t for long enough.”

The 13 will bring a Hawaiian theme to Heaton Park, too, as they plan to complete the challenge in hula outfits.

They have also been busy putting in training for the task and have recorded a dubsmash promotional video, which has attracted more than 8,000 hits, contributing to the £1,600 raised so far.

Diane added: “We’re expecting a load of mud but it’s going to be great fun and it’s obviously for a good cause.

“We had huge fun making the video. I just hope it inspires others to raise money for a good cause.

“We decided on the hula outfits at Lesley’s wake. Lesley thinks we are bonkers anyway, she would’ve found it really funny. I’m in touch with her mum and dad and they are really touched and overwhelmed by it all.”

Taking part in the Pretty Mudder will be Diane McWhinnie, Hayley Connors, Bobbie Hargreaves, Sheree Hargreaves, Lindsay Thornton, Malwina Kelly, Adele Horsfield, Donna Fort, Anne-Marie Williamson, Lisa Russell, Nicola Gillett, Maxine Horsfield and Andrea Chapman.

Visit www.justgiving.com and search for the Protec Ladies page.