In April 2014 I took part in the 29th Marathon Des Sables.  This was a 6 day, 150 mile race across the Sahara desert carrying all my food and equipment.  About 1050 competitors started and over 10% failed to complete the race; but not me as I managed to finish in the top 50%. More detail can be found at http://www.marathondessables.co.uk .   It is billed as the toughest footrace in the world and while I have possibly done harder things in the past and hope to do harder things in the future it was not an easy run, walk or stagger.  The race took place in the year when I turn 50 and that is why I did it; to prove that I am not really getting older or less capable.  Taking part in the race started out as a personal challenge but it has become apparent that race seems to have inspired others and that they want to contribute to a charity.  Previously I spent over 20 years in the Army where I had a challenging and rewarding career.  I was lucky enough to end my career unharmed but many other ex servicemen and women have not been so lucky so the charity I have chosen to raise money for is Help For Heroes.  This is a well known charity that does fantastic work for ex service personnel and their families.  Further details can be found at http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/how-we-help.  If you feel inspired by the work done by this worthwhile charity or by what I or any of the other competitors in this year’s Marathon Des Sables race have done then please visit my just giving site and just give at http://www.justgiving.com/Bill-Adsett .