Two self-professed princesses who usually run a mile from mud will plunge into the mucky stuff to help sick children.

Newsquest north London commercial director Sarah Sanderson and group editor Victoria Birch will be swapping their heels and make-up for trainers and warpaint after signing up to Tough Mudder for the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice.

Ex-soldier and advertising salesman Adam Thorpe will be joining the pair on the five-mile endurance event, which is set to test their mental and physical strength.

Victoria said: “I really do hate anything messy and have always refused to do Tough Mudder in the past, despite being asked several times. But after Sarah and I visited the new hospice we realised what a special place this is and wanted to do something to get much-needed funds.

“We don’t like to beg, but as they say, every little helps so we’d be grateful if you could help us to support this incredible charity.”

Money raised will help fund Noah’s Ark Children’s Groups, based in Barnet, for seriously unwell children, sibling support programmes, family days, specialist carers or paediatric palliative care nurses. It could also help fund drama and movement therapy sessions or music therapy sessions for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

‘The Ark’ is the first children’s hospice in north and central London serving the boroughs of Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Islington, Haringey and Hertsmere.

The Tough Mudder event will be held in Gaddesden Estate, Hemel Hempstead, on July 7.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-sanderson14.