Tough Mother: Zero to Hero is a competitive adventure derived from the Trials & Tribulations challenge, designed for Muslim mums who may not typically see themselves as athletes. Organised by a Muslim charity, this event calls on local madrasahs to nominate mums for a day that will push their limits, all for an impactful cause.
The name is a play on the renowned “Tough Mudder” challenge, adding a unique focus on empathy, endurance, and community. In a series of carefully designed obstacles and endurance tasks, participants will gain a small taste of the trials that refugees face every day.
Overview and purpose
The purpose of Tough Mother is twofold:
- Fundraising for refugee support: Each participant will be sponsored, raising vital funds for the charity’s work with refugees. By sharing stories and experiences, the mums can connect with sponsors and highlight the importance of supporting those in need.
- Walking in refugees’ shoes: Through gruelling challenges in full Muslim dress, participants experience a simulation of some difficulties faced by refugees, fostering empathy and understanding.
Participation and nomination process
The charity reaches out to madrasahs in London and nearby areas, inviting them to nominate between 3 and 5 mums’ groups. Each madrasah should ideally put forward ten mums to participate.
Participants should be normal, everyday mums, rather than fitness enthusiasts, to make the experience more relatable and challenging.
Each group will be led by a designated leader, ideally a personal trainer, who will support them both during pre-event training and on the day of the challenge.
Challenge breakdown
Part 1: Arrival and journey to the starting point
On the morning of the challenge, each group is collected from their local mosque by a minibus, accompanied by their leader.
Each participant arrives dressed in an abaya, hijab, trainers, and a packed rucksack containing a full change of clothes.
The minibus transports them to the starting point at Inholms car park on the north side of Holmwood Common in Surrey, known for its ancient woodlands and diverse habitats.
Part 2: Trek through Holmwood Common
The group sets off on a 1-hour trek through Holmwood Common, navigating the woodland trails and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Holmwood Common is home to rare wildlife, ancient trees, and dense forest, making it a scenic but challenging location.
Led by their group leader, the mums will be introduced to endurance walking and teamwork as they journey to their first checkpoint at Henfold Lakes.
Part 3: Camelot Events assault course
Upon arrival at Henfold Lakes, each group tackles the Camelot Events assault course set up.
Groups start a few minutes apart, adding a friendly element of competition as they navigate a sequence of muddy ditches and streams, all while carrying their rucksacks.
Key obstacles include:
- Muddy ditches: In the challenge, they are referred to as borderlands, which the participants must traverse as quickly as possible to avoid interception.
- Rivers and streams: The participants run along them as the safest route.
- Tyre wall: In the challenge, treated as border fences that the participants have no choice but to climb.
- The Somme: In the challenge, it is referred to as “Sniper Avenue,” where participants must crawl on their stomachs through muddy ditches, a simulation of crawling through hazardous terrain in a conflict zone.
After completing the assault course, the groups return to the main field, exhausted and covered in mud, having experienced a taste of the physical demands that refugees endure.
Part 4: Meal and reflection
In the field, participants sit on the grass in their muddy clothes, sharing the discomfort and reality of the challenge.
A simple meal, similar to what refugees may receive from aid agencies, is served as they rest. This may be a bottle of water, a bowl of rice, a piece of bread and a piece of fruit.
During this time, a guest speaker from the charity addresses the group, sharing stories and insights on the charity’s work with refugees.
This moment of reflection deepens the participants’ understanding of the cause and reminds them why their efforts are so vital.
Part 5: Second trek and assault course
After the meal, the participants resume their journey, crawling through streams and tackling more obstacles around the lake area of the assault course.
Highlights include:
- Hill climb with tyres: Participants carry tyres up and down a hill, simulating the weight and strain of carrying essentials while fleeing danger.
- Cargo net and log crawl: After climbing a cargo net, the mums crawl under logs through ditches, a test of resilience and teamwork as they push through muddy terrain.
Part 6: Lake wade and final assault
The challenge culminates in a waist-deep wade through the lake, supervised by group leaders, echoing the perilous water crossings some refugees must undertake.
After emerging from the lake, the participants trek back towards the field, where they complete the final obstacle course session.
Exhausted but triumphant, the mums cross the last set of ditches and streams to finish their journey.
Part 7: Refreshments, prayer, and departure
After the challenge, participants change into the clean clothes they’ve carried throughout the day.
They have an opportunity to make wudu and perform prayers before enjoying light refreshments provided by the charity.
Each participant boards the minibus for the journey back to their madrasah, inspired and accomplished.
Fundraising for the challenge
Sponsorship: Each mum is sponsored by friends, family, and community members, raising funds for the charity’s refugee initiatives. Fundraising pages can be created through platforms like JustGiving or the charity’s own platform, allowing donors to follow their journey and track progress.
Promotion: Participants can share their training and challenge experiences on social media, inspiring others and building awareness. Regular updates on their journey to becoming “Zero to Hero” will resonate with their networks, encouraging contributions.
Donation incentives: The charity can offer incentives, like thank-you letters from participants or photos of the event, to donors who contribute above a certain amount.
Organisation and event management
Partnership with Camelot Events
The charity collaborates with Camelot Events to set up the assault course and treks at Henfold Lakes. Camelot Events provides professional support to ensure the event’s safety and impact, handling obstacle setup and course supervision.
Safety: Trained staff from Camelot Events will be stationed throughout the course, alongside St John’s Ambulance medical staff who provide a medical tent and emergency assistance.
Transport logistics: The charity arranges minibuses to collect participants from their madrasahs, simplifying transportation and ensuring everyone arrives on time and together.
Training sessions with group leaders
The charity provides pre-event training sessions for group leaders, covering the route, assault course, and safety protocols. Leaders are encouraged to meet with their group of mums beforehand, helping them prepare mentally and physically.
Training may include:
- Light exercise sessions: To build stamina and confidence
- Advice on tackling obstacles: Techniques for crawling, trekking, and navigating uneven terrain
- Team bonding: Leaders foster a spirit of support and camaraderie, preparing the mums to work together on the day
Recognition and celebration
Each mum receives a certificate of participation, honouring her achievement and contributions to the cause. These certificates, along with photos and memories from the day, serve as a lasting reminder of their impact and dedication.
The impact of Tough Mother
Tough Mother: Zero to Hero is more than just a challenge; it’s a transformative experience that combines empathy with endurance, showing that anyone, no matter their fitness level, can make a meaningful impact.
Through every muddy crawl and uphill climb, participants gain a deeper understanding of the hardships refugees endure, making their fundraising efforts all the more powerful.