THE memory of a stillborn baby boy spurred a 26-strong team of men and women to battle against the mud despite mental and physical exhaustion.

Bereaved Prestwich parents Rachael Walsh and Ferg Crossley launched “Dexter’s Midnight Mudders” to raise money for SANDS in memory of their son, Dexter, who was stillborn last October.

The couple are desperate to raise awareness of how commonly the tragedy occurs and have to date raised around £9,500 — smashing their initial £5,000 target.

After discovering she was pregnant again Rachael could not take part, but was “overwhelmed” by the efforts of the friends and people she did not know who faced the challenge in Dexter’s honour.

Rachael, of Ruskin Road, said: “The day was totally overwhelming and every team member finished the course, which was amazing because it really wasn’t easy going at all.

“It wasn't just the physical side that was difficult. It was mentally challenging too and there were times when some people thought they couldn’t go on.

“They all said the reason they kept going was Dexter — and I will never be able to thank Dexter’s Midnight Mudders enough.

“They gave everything they had plus a bit more. I feel so blessed to know so many determined and inspirational people.”

Rachael was 39 weeks pregnant when the couple were told Dexter’s heart had stopped beating.

After being induced, Dexter was born the following day at the Bolton Royal Hospital, weighing 6 lbs 15.5ozs, and was buried on his original due date.

The couple hope the money they have raised will fund better research into what causes stillbirths and how they can be prevented — stillbirth rates have remained unchanged in the UK for 20 years.

Rachael said: “Organising the event and seeing how many people rose to the challenge is one of the best things I’ve ever done and, without a doubt, has helped me come to terms with losing Dexter.

“I was supposed to be at home with a new baby but I wasn’t — doing this gave me something positive to focus on even though the reason behind it was so sad.

“When we lost Dexter we became part of a community that exists in silence because people do not speak about these babies. How does somebody die before they have lived?”

Ferg added: “It was quite a challenge and was such a long course – we definitely should have done a lot more preparation!

“There was a good team spirit because there is some stuff you simply can’t do without your mates helping you. It took us about four hours to complete the course because the mud makes everything so exhausting, but we did it.”

To make a donation: go to justgiving.com/Dexter Edward