Bishop of Blackburn to tackle muddy assault course for Sudan appeal

BBC reports that the Bishop of Blackburn and other clergy will take on a muddy assault course at Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley, Lancashire, wearing their dog collars as they raise money for a Harvest appeal.

The bishop said the clergy will spend “a Saturday morning wearing their dog collars while scrambling over obstacles, wading through mud and making complete spectacles of themselves.”

North said the appeal will help sustain “vital healthcare for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world”. He added: “A few muddy obstacles in Barley will be a minor challenge compared to the challenges” faced by the communities being supported.

The appeal is for South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The muddy fundraiser gives a local twist to a global need, with the Blackburn clergy putting themselves through the course to help raise money for healthcare on the other side of the world.

Source: BBC (2026-10-01). Original announcement.