A team of 10 scientists and technicians from Elucigene Diagnostics have swapped their lab coats for headbands, completing a gruelling five mile Tough Mudder to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The Manchester-headquartered genetics company is the European market leader in cystic fibrosis diagnostics and has been an official supporter of the charity for the past four years.

Raising more than £1000 the team has participated in a range of events including: charity bake offs, Jeans for Genes Day, Wear Yellow Day, and the Manchester 10K.

Held at Heaton Park, the Tough Mudder saw them contending with 10 obstacles and plenty of mud to raise £360 for the Trust.

But for the team, the highlight of the day was meeting a young lady with cystic fibrosis, who was taking part in the event, as Elliot Northrop, Manufacturing Technician at Elucigene, explained:

“By far the best moment of the day was meeting a enthusiastic, and cheerful young lady called Michelle at the start of the race.

“She asked if she could have a photo with the team. It was only afterwards that she explained she herself had cystic fibrosis, would be taking part in the event with us, and thanked us for all the work we do.

“It was wonderful to see someone with CF not only full of life and smiling from ear to ear, but also dominating this challenging course.

“It was a heart-warming moment and reinforced the pride we feel in the research and development we do day in, day out.”

Mark Street-Docherty, CEO at Elucigene Diagnostics, added: “We’re proud supporters of the Trust and regularly fundraise for it, but this event was particularly poignant for everyone involved, thanks to this touching moment.

“We’re a close-knit team here and everyone involved should be commended on a job well done.”

For more information about Elucigene Diagnostics, please contact Chris Barry or Jonathan Daly