A GRATEFUL dad is tackling a hardcore muddy obstacle course to raise funds for the hospital that helps his severely epileptic son.

Seven-year-old Aarron Prendergast, of Sawley Avenue, Lowton, has around 15 seizures a day and has been regularly admitted to Warrington Hospital's children's ward over the past three years.

His dad Mark is eternally grateful to the staff for all that they have done for Aarron and is hoping to raise £1,000 through his Tough Mudder challenge in Malpas in September to help the hospital build an outdoor play area.

The 44-year-old said: "We are on first name terms with a lot of the nurses and with the help we have had from the hospital I just wanted to give a little bit back.

“They have been outstanding and I can’t fault any of them.

“I had already entered the Tough Mudder and I thought I could do it for charity. With the hospital looking for funds for the play area it was a no-brainer.”

The 10 to 12-mile obstacle races are designed by British Special Forces to challenge the toughest of the tough.

And children don't come much tougher than brave Aarron.

He was a week away from starting school when he had his first seizure in August 2013.

Over the following year he had more than 1,000 fits and was admitted to hospital five times.

Aarron's life is still afflicted by his epilepsy and Mark says that an outdoor play area at the hospital would be a boost to him and many other children.

“The play area will make a big difference," said Mark.

"The hospital has an the indoor play area but older children want to go outdoors and have a kickabout.

“Kids get bored very easily and want to get out and have some fresh air and a bit of an escape, especially children who are in the hospital long term."

Helen Higginson, charity fundraising manager at Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, predicts that Mark will ‘smash’ the challenge.

She said: “We are delighted to have Mark on board fundraising for our Making Waves campaign for a new children’s outdoor area on the paediatric ward.

“We wish him well on his first Tough Mudder – we have every confidence that he will smash it.

“It is always amazing when people want to get involved and help us change the hospital environment, especially for our younger patients, so we ask you all to dig deep and help Mark reach his goal to help us improve our play area for your children.”

To make a donation for the Tough Mudder challenge visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Mark-Prendergast.