AMONGST the 16,000 people expected to take part in this weekend's Tough Mudder event at Broughton Hall will be a man from Switzerland.

Florian Hausherr, 37, will travel to Craven from his home in Zurich to compete and to raise money for the NSPCC after being inspired by a friend who had a particularly difficult childhood.

He realised he could do nothing to change her past, or to make it any better, but by supporting the NSPCC could help other children in similar situations.

"Since I had faced some major challenges in my private live only months before, this endeavour gave me purpose again," he said.

"I always wanted to contribute for people who have it tougher than me, so I started to train for Tough Mudder and my life started to change for the better.”

Florian started martial arts training in January and at about the same time, a friend suggested Tough Mudder would be a good challenge for an adrenalin junkie like him.

It will be the fourth time the now international event has taken place at Broughton Hall, and although entry to the full Tough Mudder, of 12 miles and 20 obstacles is at capacity, there are still places on the shorter Tough Mudder Half, of five miles, and 13 obstacles.

Billed as the toughest obstacle race in the world, Tough Mudder is aimed at taking competitors out of their comfort zones, testing personal strength, stamina and mental grit.

Since it was first held in 2010, it has raised around £5 million for charity, takes place in six different countries and has seen 2. 5 million people taking part.

The event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, with access off the A59 at Broughton, where traffic is expected to be heavy throughout the weekend.

To support Florian and the NSPCC, visit his Just Giving page at: justgiving.com/fundraising/hokeypokey.

To sign up to take part, visit the website: toughmudder.co.uk/events/2017-yorkshire