On Feb 24, it will be the 5th time I do the Saharamarathon. But this year is special and different. In 2015 it will be 40 years since the Saharawis were first forced into exile in SW Algeria where close to 200,000 live displaced in one of the harshest desert corners of the world. I would like to be one of the runners to go out there to show UK solidarity with them. As founder and director of Sandblast, I would like to invite you to join me in showing me your support.

By  sponsoring me to do the run you will be helping Sandblast raise vital funds to continue the work of its Studio Live music project. For the past few years, we've  been providing resources and sound engineering workshops to train young adult refugees to establish a local professional music industry in the camps. The project has been in a pilot phase. It is one of the most challenging ventures the charity has ever undertaken. But when I see what it means to the youth, who feel they have no voice and have no future, then it all becomes worthwhile.( Please view the short video below in the Gallery section to hear the feedback from the students who have been  getting training in our sound engineering workshops.)

Now we are ready build on our experiences and track record. In 2015, we hope to raise 40K to set up two permanent training and recording centres in two of the five refugee camps so we can expand the impact and scope of Studio-Live. 

Just as the 2010 run helped us to raise over 20K to get Studio-Live started we are now counting on you and the runners to help us reach our next milestone goal. Anything and everything you can do to support us will mean the world. I personally will be eternally grateful for the help given.