A NEWTON Aycliffe legal team proved they were no stick-in-the-muds and raised £1035 for charity by getting down and dirty at one of the country’s toughest assault courses. Partners, solicitors and support personnel who work for Hewitts Solicitors, in Avenue House, Greenwell Road, took part in the No Ego Mud Challenge, held at Lambton Castle, in Chester le Street, earlier this year. The gruelling 5-mile challenge, based on a true Army assault course, is designed to test strength, stamina and determination to the limit. As well as the difficult forest trails, the Hewitts team, led by partner Darren Brown, had to overcome a series of obstacles, such as the tunnel of mud, freezing cold lakes and the fast flowing waters of the River Wear. Darren said: “Team Hewitts have undertaken some difficult fund raisers over the years but the No Ego Mud Challenge was probably the toughest. Every one of us finished the course exhausted and covered in mud from head to toe.” But the mud-slinging was all in a good cause – every penny raised by the fearless fund raisers went to the Heel and Toe children’s charity, based in Chester le Street. Heel and Toe was set up in 2008 to provide therapy for youngsters with cerebral palsy and other disabilities via a state-of-the-art therapy centre. The organisation helps children aged from six months to 19-years-old, and its services are used by families throughout the North-East. Fund raising officer Natalie Harker said: “We would like to thank Team Hewitts for putting themselves through the No Ego Mud Challenge to help our children. Their sacrifice is much appreciated.” Natalie said money raised by Team Hewitts’ efforts would help to buy a speciallyadapted holiday home so families can enjoy a relaxing break. Team Hewitts includes partners, solicitors and support staff from the group’s offices in Aycliffe, Darlington, Stockton and Bishop Auckland. Together they have raised thousands of pounds for good causes by taking on physical challenges over the past couple of years. “It’s great to be helping Heel and Toe because it is a local charity that’s providing a really important service,” added Darren.