A GROUP of mates will be tackling a gruelling 10km challenge in memory of their pal.

Gary Atkins, Matthew Asprey, Daniel Castle, John Ruiz and Lee Atkins, who have dubbed themselves 'The Disposables', will taking on the Total Warrior Lake District obstacle course on August 6.

The challenge is in memory of their friend Neil Barlow, who died at the age of 34 in January 2015.

The father-of-three died from an aortic dissection – a life-threatening condition where there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta artery. The condition affects three to four people in every 100,000 in the UK.

Mr Atkins, aged 36, from Westhoughton, said: “Neil was an old friend and we were shocked and saddened by his passing.

“I know his sister Natalie Barlow has been doing a lot for the charity so it seemed ideal to do it for Heart Research UK.

"I think it will mean a lot to the family.

“We’re all at a certain age where we need to take better care of ourselves so this has encouraged us to get in the gym and get fit. Losing Neil has made us think about what is important and to live our lives to the fullest we can.”

Friends and family of Mr Barlow have already raised over £5,000 for Heart Research UK by organising a gig, taking part in a football match and joining in the Great Manchester Run.

All the money raised in memory of Mr Barlow will go to Heart Research UK towards a target of £25,000 to deliver masterclasses in aortic arch surgery.

The classes give heart surgeons, from all over the UK, the opportunity to learn the procedure from experts in the field and gain unique hands-on experience of the life-saving technique

Heart Research UK has already funded two of these masterclasses in the last two years, at the University of Liverpool

To donate in Neil Barlow’s memory, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-atkins2