The daughter of comedian Jo Brand and her boyfriend will be taking part in the Maldon Mud Race next month in memory of their friend, comedian and regular comedy show panellist Sean Lock, who died in August last year.

Maisie Bourke and boyfriend Alfie Richer will be battling their way through the mud to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of Maisie's uncle Bill and Sean, who both died of cancer last year.

Jo will be launching the famous race at Promenade Park, which is returning to the town on 24 April after being cancelled for the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a post on her JustGiving page for the race, singer Maisie, who performs under the stage name Maisi, said: "Sean previously participated in this event, with my mum, Jo Brand, who will be at the race too. She will be starting the race and supporting Alfie and me."

Sean was a team captain on Channel 4 series 8 Out of 10 Cats, presented by Jimmy Carr, for 10 years from its outset in 2005.

He also performed as a stand-up comic and appeared on panel shows including Have I Got News For You, QI, Would I Lie To You? and They Think It's All Over.

Jo said: "In 2010, Sean Lock and I attempted the Maldon Mud Race, an iconic event - terrifying, for us, and hilarious, for the crowd anyway, and if I have ever been more humiliated, being lassoed by a bloke in waders and dragged out of the swamp, I can't remember it.

"Since then, the world has lost the brilliant and unique comedian Sean to cancer and last year, just before Christmas, I also lost my lovely brother Bill to cancer as well.

"Macmillan Cancer Support is a bright light in what is a very dark time for families.

"This year, as Maisie has explained, she and Alfie will attack the marvellous, murderous and murky Maldon Mud Race for two great causes.

"I'll be watching, reliving my own personal rubbish experience and cheering them on. Wimp, I know!"

The Maldon Mud Race, usually held annually, sees hundreds of competitors dashing 400 metres over the bed of the River Blackwater to raise thousands of pounds for a range of charities.

It is free to attend for spectators, who travel from all over the world to watch the famous contest, and takes place at Promenade Park.

There will also be a funfair, artisan food and a large stage with entertainment from 10am at this year's event.

Maisie is hoping to raise £2,000 for Macmillan by taking on the race this year, and has already raised £1,690.

To donate to her fundraiser, click here.