DAVE McArthur will be taking a break from his muddy year of fundraising when he makes a splash in The Great Manchester Swim.

The 24-year-old has been challenging himself throughout the year through a series of obstacle courses to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Dave, from Rixton, said: “Last year a friend of mine dragged me along for the Tough Mudder. It was one of the most exhilarating, rewarding and difficult things I have ever done, but I caught the bug. There’s no greater feeling than when you cross that finish line.

“I was originally planning on doing 10 races in 2014 but, as a sport, obstacle racing is growing so quickly and fixtures are being added all the time.

“My challenge seems to have caught people’s imagination and I’ve almost hit my £1,000 fundraising target already. Now I’m aiming to have raised £1,500 by the time I complete my last race at the end of the year.”

So far he has completed nine challenges including The Suffering on Sunday and has faced flooded underground tunnels, fire pits and waded through chest-deep icy water.

And next lined up for the trainee building surveyor is a bit of a break from his muddy quests as he takes a dip in Salford Quays.

And when he signed up for the obstacle courses he decided to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

He added: “My girlfriend’s mum, Deborah, is the head nurse at a care home in Bristol, so I’m very aware just how devastating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can be. Dementia is my generation’s biggest health challenge and that’s why we must act now. I’m really proud to be doing my bit for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

To help Dave raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s dementia research, donate online at justgiving.com/davesmuddyyear.