Sand, Sun and Sore Feet: The Marathon Des Sables 2012
Participants: Paddy Gillespie
Participants: Paddy Gillespie
The Marathon Des Sables · 8 April 2012
So 2012 has finally arrived!
Back in 2009 Paddy and I thought it would be 'fun' to have a crack at the MdS - the Marathon Des Sables (Marathon of the Sands). Billed as the 'toughest footrace on earth', the race involves running across the Sahara desert for 250km over 7 days, carrying all food and gear. What a challenge! http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php
So, in February 2009, at 2am sitting in my hotel room in Las Vegas (may have had a drink or two), the application process opened and we signed up! After a significant amount of training, the time has finally arrived for us to set off for Morocco on April 5th, to start what will likely be a life changeing event.
No doubt this race will be tough, but not as tough as living with a spinal injury. Many of you will know that my sister Ruth was involved in a horse riding accident 1 year ago this April, resulting in her losing the use of her legs. Ruth has shown amazing strength and determination getting to where she is today - independent, back to work, swimming and even back on a horse! Watch out Rio 2016!! A true inspiration which will no doubt help me through the tough stages of the MdS.
As a result, we are raising money for Spinal Research. Please see the link on the other side of the page to read more about the charity and its aims. By sponsoring us to run this race, hopefully we can all do something to further knowledge and understanding of this injury, and maybe help somone like Ruth some time in the future.
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
So please dig deep and donate now.
Charities pay a small fee for our service. Learn more about fees