On 22nd July 2011 I will be taking part in the Gobi Challenge. The Gobi Challenge is a 140-mile multi stage ultra event, which takes place in the Mongolian Desert (China), in temperatures exceeding 120o to raise money for The Stroke Association. The Mongolian Gobi is a land of extremes. Its imposing sand dunes, towering mountains and seemingly endless sun-baked desert plains are home to wolves, bears, vultures and nomadic goat herders. The Gobi desert is one of the least forgiving environments on earth. This is a race of extremes, immense physical and mental challenges, stunning terrain including an ice gorge and Asia's highest sand dune. Over the period of a week I will be covering 140 miles on foot while carrying all food and provisions required and sleeping under canvas. This is a six-day event run in legs of approximately 26 miles, which must be completed in set time periods. You may ask yourself why? I am running to raise funds and awareness of The Stroke Association, following a very difficult year with the sad and sudden loss of Nicky Davis. Nicky suffered a major stroke during the beginning of 2010. Following lots of hard work, determination and rehabilitation she was up walking, becoming more and more independent. Sadly with only a matter of days before she was due home she suffered a further stroke. She was not able to recover from the damage caused and passed away with her family around her at the age of 55. The months spent with Nicky, in hospitals and care wards has shown just how little there is known about the causes and effects of strokes. A huge amount of work goes into the care of so many people affected by strokes. Strokes affect people in so many different ways, often with the outcome unknown. Individuals and families battle through days, weeks and months of hard work mentally and physically to get back the independence and ability they have lost. This often happens suddenly with little or no warning. I have also seen that this does not just affect older people; strokes can affect anyone, young and old, from different backgrounds and lifestyles. I want to raise the awareness and work this charity carries out on a day-to-day basis. There is so much still to be learnt from strokes, how and why they occur. But also the need to provide care and support to so many people, their families and friends around them through extremely difficult times. This is a huge personal challenge for me, having never taken part in an ultra event before. There is a huge amount of training and preparation and hard work ahead, but I am extremely proud to be a part of it and raising money for local charity with a great future. Thank you for all your support and visiting 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.
