FUNDRAISING friends trudged through the night and got stuck in a bog to help a brave girl recovering from septic shock.

Alec Cussell and sons Michael and David Cussell, of Colchester, and friend Grant Cooper, of Ipswich, walked 60km in 24 hours, raising £1,220. They had originally planned to walk 70km.

But the foursome faced some minor problems along the way, getting lost after taking a wrong turn and getting stuck in a bog.

David Cussell said: “It was particularly tough during the night as we encountered wildlife such as horses and bulls and at one point we got stuck in a muddy bog with water and mud going past our knees.

“We encountered the bog near to Lyons Hall. It was pitch black and we only had our torches to light the way. Two of us got stuck.

“It was a little concerning as we had no phone signal and we were in the middle of a field. We all helped each other and after 20 minutes we managed to get out without losing any boots.

“Our boots and socks were wet so we decided to have a break at the Square and Compasses pub nearby and have a cup of tea.

“I explained to the landlady what we were doing, she thought we were mad but kindly made us some tea and coffee."

The walk along the Essex Way, from Roxwell to Colchester, was organised to raise money for Colchester three-year-old Mary.

Mary went into septic shock this summer after her body shut down when she was struck down by five viruses.

David, who is friends with Mary’s parents, decided to organise the event.

He said: “When we first heard Mary was sick we all wanted to do something to help and eventually came up with the idea for the walk.

“Before we left, Mary waved us off which gave us all a massive boost.

“The walk throughout the day was fine and we were in high spirits despite getting a little lost and losing around 30 to 40 minutes going off course.”

He added: “It was a good adventure. In hindsight I wouldn’t plan to walk through the night again though.”

Mary has been making remarkable progress with her recovery, quickly walking again after she woke up from an induced coma.

Despite her recovery, Mary has some brain damage from the illness and she will need some fingertips removed because of a lack of blood supply to her extremities.

Her mum Sarah said: “Mary is doing incredibly well.

“We are still waiting for her fingertips to be amputated. We have been given four operation slots, one was last week but the surgeon decided to keep them on a bit longer so the other three are in November.

“It will be under general anaesthetic so I’m dreading it but it needs to be done. To the untrained eye she is doing really well and is normal.”

To donate go to www.marysfund.weebly.com.