CHAMPION fundraiser Michael Moore is set to take on two epic events this year to raise funds for The Donkey Sanctuary.

The animal lover, from Darlington has set himself the challenge of competing in the Rat Race ‘Dirty Weekend’ 20-mile obstacle course on May 11. Set in the grounds of Burghley House in Lincolnshire, the course sees competitors tackling around 200 obstacles of all shapes and sizes, including mud crawls, water hazards, tyre climbs and even giant hamster wheels.

With just a few weeks to recover, he will then take part in another Rat Race organised event, billed as ‘the UK’s most iconic ultra’. Held over the weekend of June 15 and 16, ‘The Wall’ invites people to trek or run a 69 mile course through the historic Hadrian’s Wall county, over one or two days.

He said: "Donkeys are powerful beautiful animals and they just make me smile, and I feel that the money I raise for The Donkey Sanctuary is something that instantly helps. One of the highlights of my adventure is shouting ‘donkey power'.”

He aims to raise £1,200 through his efforts, and is inviting people who wish to support him to visit his Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Michael-Moore44

Rose Huxham, community fundraising officer at The Donkey Sanctuary fundraising says: “What an amazing supporter Michael is to take on these epic challenges to raise funds for The Donkey Sanctuary. It is incredible what some supporters will put themselves through for the love of donkeys. We really appreciate and value his continued support.”

The Donkey Sanctuary celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, with special events held throughout 2019 to celebrate this important milestone.