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Target: £20,000.00
Raised so far: £13,812.26
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My story

 

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WHAT IS THE MARATHON DES SABLES?

“It covers 243km (151 miles), run over 6 days - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

I will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 49°C (120°F), running on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.

The heat, distance and rubbing trashes your feet and can cause severe trauma.  Physical fitness is important but don't underestimate the mental stress that will need to be endured.

On the 4th day, I will set off across the barren wilderness to complete an 82 km stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!  I've been warned in the strongest terms that it's tough!

Official MdS website

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

I work for Alpha International, a registered charity that promotes the use of the Alpha Course all over the world.  Alpha is a course that gives people the opportunity to explore the meaning of life from a Christian perspective.  I have personally seen many lives transformed through Alpha, and it is estimated that over 13 million people worldwide have done the course. I am responsible for Alpha for Forces which promotes Alpha in the British Armed Forces and the armed forces of many countries around the world.  To find out more about Alpha and Alpha for Forces please visit the following websites:

Alpha:                         http://www.alpha.org/

Alpha for Forces:      http://www.alphafriends.org/forces

 

WHY AM I ENTERING?

In 2009, as part of my role as relationship manager for Alpha for Forces I have had the privilege of staying with two West African families, in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Both these countries have been decimated by recent civil wars, the impact of which is harrowingly evident.

My hosts:  Pastor Joseph Francis Williams (Sierra Leone) and Pastor John Aaron Wright (Liberia) have been engaged in bringing transformation to their respective countries. They are both men of modest means who are utilising whatever resources they have. They live without electricity and running water in the home, yet were beyond generous in sharing what they had with me. I was struck by their passion, diligence, determination and selfless commitment. It is hard to describe their level of commitment to their communities, their cities and their countries. They are tirelessly working towards a better future. Their example was truly inspiring and since my visits I have had a deep conviction that I need to try and help them. The one resource that they both desperately need is a 4x4 vehicle.  I want to raise enough to buy one for each of them as I have seen that this will greatly enhance their work.

Please read on to find out about the work and challenges faced by each of these men…

Sierra Leone

Pastor Joseph Francis Williams:

Pastor Joseph is the National Director of Alpha in Sierra Leone and has been the driving force behind its significant development there.  He organised a GAT (Global Alpha Training) event for 50 Army Chaplains in Kenema, which I took part in. For those familiar with Sierra Leone’s history the need to reset the moral compass of the Armed Forces will be immediately apparent.  Pastor Joseph regularly uses his car to conduct training in the outlying provinces.  The roads are extremely bad and his car is woefully inadequate for the task. In fact, it can barely make it up the steep, rutted road, outside his home. Whilst on the return journey from Kenema the car broke down, and what should have been an 8 hour journey became two days!  A 4x4 would save Pastor Joseph and his wife Fatu much time, money and hardship, thus enabling them to be even more effective in their work, which goes well beyond Alpha.  Pastor Joseph was also one of the founders of a national relationship counselling service, which today helps strengthen and sustain marriages throughout the country.

Liberia

Pastor John Aaron Wright:

Pastor John is the Director of Alpha for Forces in Liberia and has worked unremittingly to see Alpha introduced to the Police, Fire Service, Immigration and Armed Forces. He also runs a community church, regularly brings wheelchairs into the country for those who were maimed during the war and works for the Christian Health Association of Liberia (CHAL).  During his time with CHAL he has personally trained 45,000 people to deal with the effects of past trauma in their communities.  To date he has distributed 500 wheelchairs and is presently awaiting a shipment of 500 more.  Notably he wants to run Alpha for ex-combatants, some of whom were as young as 9 when they were involved in the most horrific atrocities.  Pastor John does not have a vehicle and to hire a 4x4 for one day costs the equivalent of one month’s wages for many people.  A 4x4 would enable Pastor John to accelerate the amazing work that he is doing to help Liberians cope with the emotional and physical effects of the war.

 

CONCLUSION

Both these countries have experienced bloodshed and brutality on an unprecedented level.  Nobody there has been left unaffected by the fierce fighting and savage atrocities of the recent past.  I have witnessed first hand the tremendous personal sacrifices that Pastor Joseph and Pastor John are making to bring healing to their war ravaged nations.  They are both doing an amazing job and I want to help them. 

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 Alpha for Forces 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.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Many thanks,

Charlie

All the best with the remaining training mate and of course the event itself. Any questions about training or injuries then give me a shout! Donation by Jon Wilkinson 29/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Piece of cake for you Charlie. It kind of reminds me of that warmduscher tour we took in Brasil. I bet you dont get such a cool hat... Donation by Mucki 22/11/09  

£10.00

God Bless you. Donation by Judith - Nymet Rowland 19/11/09  

£10.00

Im not very good with words Donation by Nathan Stockley 19/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck mate. 150 miles in the desert, treat yourself! Donation by Charles Gilmore 19/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Phillipians 4: 13 - Charlie you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength........lots of love from the Hunts ;) Donation by Keri & Damielle Hunt 18/11/09  

We'll be praying for you big man ! Donation by Ben Lummis 18/11/09  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Good luck mate, hope it all goes well. Donation by Lee O'Donnell 17/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Awesome, go for it mate! Donation by Ed Perry 17/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Come on Bear Lacey!!! Donation by Giancarlo 17/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

enjoy your gentle jog in the sun Donation by Mike Tufnell 17/11/09  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

May it be a worthwhile challenge, with "mission accomplished"! God speed, too. Donation by Edna & John - Lapford 16/11/09  

£10.00

Hope all goes well Donation by Walter & Jose - Lapford 16/11/09  

£5.00

Best Wishes Donation by Margaret - Lapford 16/11/09  

£5.00

Best Wishes Donation by Tom & Thelma - Lapford 13/11/09  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Legend! Donation by Dave and Fats Wesson 13/11/09  

Charley, Worthy cause - good luck and god bless on your run. Donation by Helena Marsden 13/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Don't get stuck with someone with stinking chat, it's a big old desert. Donation by Rupert Streatfeild 12/11/09  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Nice to meet you at the Alpha Conference with Paul. Good luck and I look forward to hearing what your run was like! Donation by susan griffin 12/11/09  

£50.00

Well....after our conversation this morning, I do hope you come back alive. I think you are mad, but quite cool too. ... but mostly mad ;) Donation by Scarlett Sharp 11/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck matey :) Donation by Alexander Chambers 10/11/09  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

All the best Royal! Donation by Daniel Hall 10/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Go for Liberia! Donation by John & Liz 09/11/09  

Mate can you collect a few jars of sand for me as you go - I'm building a new sand pit at the flat. Donation by John B 09/11/09  

Good luck! Donation by Alexander Stewart 08/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Royal. Donation by David Howarth 08/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck!! Donation by Pru Lambert - Lapford 07/11/09  

£5.00

Amazing challenge - puts us to shame. Best of luck. Donation by Caroline wells 05/11/09  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Donation by Tricia Neill 03/11/09  

I'm proud of you Charlie, and I'll be praying all the way. I know you can do it! Lots of love, Donation by Mum 02/11/09  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £2,325.00
  Offline donations: £11,487.26
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £510.51

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