The Maldon Mud Race will be held this Sunday (May 14) and is set to welcome Jo Brand back to the town, as her daughter Maisie Bourke prepares to take part.

Maisie ran the Maldon Mud Race last year, with her boyfriend Alfie Richer. Together, they will return to take on the challenge once again.

Comedian Jo, who ran the Mud Race with the late Sean Lock in 2010, will start this year's race. She described her attempt at the "iconic" event as "terrifying for us, but hilarious for the crowd".

Jo said: "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 I also lost my lovely brother Bill to cancer too.

"Maisie and Alfie bravely completed the race last year but wanted to return to support the charities once again. I'll be watching, reliving my own personal rubbish experience, and cheering them on.

"Wimp, I know - but I will proudly start the race for the team and be on hand to see Maise and Alfie challenge themselves once again!"

Maisie, a singer-songwriter, and Alfie are raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support, alongside the Maldon Mud Race's charities. Jo described Macmillan as "a bright light in a very dark time for families".

Maisie and Alfie before and after last year's race. (Photos: Ben Shahrabi and Maldon Mud Race)

Last year, the couple raised more than £2,200. Maisie told Nub News she "absolutely loved" the race.

She said: "I love any sort of adventure activity, it's my kind of thing! And doing it for charity felt so good."

Maisie has set up a JustGiving campaign to raise funds for Macmillan and the Mud Race.

ITV Anglia News' Becky Jago and David Whitely are also expected to take part, alongside BBC Essex breakfast presenters Sonia Watson and Ben Fryer. They will be joined by individuals and teams from all over the country.

The event is free to attend for spectators, and organisers expect to attract crowds of over 15,000.

This year will see a funfair, a huge artisan food offering, and a large stage with entertainment from 10am.

The race itself is due to begin at around 1.30pm, although organisers will confirm on the day.

BBC Essex will run the stage, presenting local emerging artists and a 'chill-out' soul set with award-winning DJ John Leech from 3pm, helping entrants and spectators unwind after the race.

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