Well, the gym had got a bit boring and the scars and memory of all the pain from the Sahara seem to have gone, so I thought it was time for a new, tougher challenge.

I have signed up to take part in a Run Across the World ('RAW') event in South Africa. Those of you who thought I was nuts doing the MdS will now think I need certifying. This event covers 280km in 5 days carrying all my food and other kit. But carrying 10kg seemed a little bit too easy, so I thought I would make it even more difficult for myself - by wearing an 8kg rhino suit (well, it is for Save The Rhino!). So that's a total of 18kg to be carried (around 40lbs in old money). The event is based around Cape Town (I think I will be clambering up Table Mountain at some point...) and the Shark Coast and promises to be amazing.

I first came across the work of Save The Rhino whilst taking part in the Atacama Desert crossing in 2006, where the charity had put in a team. I learned a lot about the work it does, and have been hugely impressed by what they have been able to achieve (for more details please visit www.savetherhino.org). Rhinos are awesome animals and totally vulnerable because of the way man impacts their environment. It's our duty to preserve not only the rhino but also their habitat.

Please dig VERY deep (from the comfort of your armchairs!), sponsor me and help me reach my target of £5,000.

With very many thanks,

David