MARATHON DES SABLES 2006
(THE TOUGHEST FOOTRACE IN THE WORLD)
Many of you may only know me as an under-achieving, idle ,drunken slob but to celebrate my change of career and my 50th Birthday I have decided to change my life style and make a contribution to society.
In April I am competing in the 2006 Marathon Des Sables.
This is a 154 mile race, in southern Morocco, across the Sahara where you have to carry all your own equipment, food, cooking and survival gear. It takes place over 7 days and is the equivalent to 6 marathons with a single 50 mile overnight stage. It crosses rocky terrain and some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Tempatures can reach 50 C during the day and are close to freezing at night. Sandstorms, sunstroke, serious blisters, dehydration, navigation, madness and snakebites are all hazards. (What's even worse I will miss out on my rugby trip to Dublin for the first time in 22 years)
I am already training hard by competing in back to back marathons, a coast to coast Scottish biathlon, along with 34 and 50 mile ultra marathons. I am not pestering any of you by seeking sponsorship for these events.
Instead, and to make this whole stupid idea worthwhile, I wish to do something useful for once and I am asking everyone I know to dig deeply and be as generous as they can for a hugely important charity. Sadly almost everyone has had a friend, colleague or relative who has had to use the Marie Curie but they all praise the magnificent work done there. To know I am raising a decent amount will maybe keep me sane.
Q. What's in it for you?
A. 1). The comfort of knowing you have helped such an important cause as the Edinburgh Marie Curie and the assurance that once you have donated I shall never pester any of you again for money by doing such a stupid thing.
2). The satisfaction of knowing that I will be suffering guaranteed pain and immense discomfort over Easter.
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. You can either hand me a donation when you next see me, post it to me at 48 Pentland View, Edinburgh EH10 6PS or donate on line. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive your money faster. What ever way you donate, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax can be added to your gift at no cost to you. Remember, this isn't a 2 hour sponsored walk round the park! So please...... sponsor me now!
For more information on the Marathon Des Sables check out the links on my web page http://donaldsandeman.saharamarathon.co.uk Many thanks for your support. Donald Sandeman
NB February Update: Training is going very well but I do have a few minor injuries following my 54 mile Thames Meander Ultra Marathon. I am now taking daily saunas in an attempt to acclimatise myself to the heat. Special thanks to Edinburgh Leisure, Anatom Sales (Smartwool socks) and Footworks running shop for their assistance and for everyone who has already sponsored me.
Sadly and significantly this month I have learned that my mother is suffering from terminal cancer and will be using the Marie Curie facilities. This has ofcourse added even more purpose to my fundraising.
Thanks again
Donald
LATEST UPDATE: 20/4/06
I'VE DONE IT!!!!.
The race was the hardest ever with horrendously hot and windy conditions. There were 146 retirements in first four stages compared with less than 20 last year. 3 very serious cases,one of whom had to be ventilated and flown to France. I lost all the skin from my feet after the 3rd stage and could only hobble the rest of the route finishing very near the back of the survivors. My mum was told that I had finished on the Saturday and she celebrated with a sip of champagne before slipping away later that night. Sadly I didn't get a chance to see her to celebrate. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done and will never do anything like it again. I will compile a full diary this week and can email it to anyone who wishes. I have extended my closing date so if you have not donated there is still time. Marie Curie have proved to me that they provide a truly fantastic service
Thanks to everyone
Donald
May Update. Full diary and some photos on my blog http://sanddemon.blogspot.com/
With regards to my coments about never doing anything like it again, I am considering doing one of two similar (but I doubt if as hard races). One is across the Gobi Desert and the other is crossing Chile via the Atacama desert. The feet are obviously getting better.
Thanks again to all that have made donations
Raised:
107%
Raised so far: £3,775.92
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Good effort. I hope you are back on the pints! Donation by Spen on 14/06/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Congratulation Donald, inspirational performance ! Donation by donald mackenzie on 03/06/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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your blog made me cry. my mum also died at Marie Curie, well done, i'm sure your mum is very proud Donation by Sandra McDougall on 28/05/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Well done sgt! Donation by Lisa Brazier Watt on 16/05/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Fantastic achievements - both completing the race and raising so much for a great cause Donation by Malcolm Graham on 14/05/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Great achievement. Know how you feel! Donation by Laurent Locke on 13/05/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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awesome - well done Donation by Maeve McP on 11/05/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Donald, you should be extremely proud of your achievement, I am sure your mother was. Cheers GB Donation by Gareth Blair on 09/05/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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An incredible achievement Donald. Your diary makes an inspiring and moving read. Well done. Donation by Bob Hope on 08/05/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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I don't know you at all, but your achievement is incredible and your story inspiring. Donation by Craig Donnachie on 08/05/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Donald, an amazing accomplishment for a very good cause. Donation by Gary Dickson on 08/05/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donald old chum - Lost for words but well done and of course my condolences - Regards Malky Donation by Malky Tough on 08/05/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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congratulations donald from callum's partner at work. Donation by amanda davidson on 05/05/06 |
£10.00 |
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Donation by Mark M + family on 05/05/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Donation by Carl Peters on 30/04/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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Wish I had time to spend a week playing on the beach ya big wimp!! Good one Donald. Donation by Mark Gruber on 25/04/06 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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unbelievable achievement-well done! Donation by susan sandeman on 23/04/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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WELL DONE!!!! X Donation by shona & ailsa on 16/04/06 |
£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid |
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I think you're mad too, but am also impressed. Donation by Judith Sandeman on 06/04/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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From my mum who says "Rather you than me"! Best of luck from all at the Marie Curie Hospice, Edin. Donation by Fiona Bushby on 03/04/06 |
£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid |
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Good luck Sandie, I'll be willing you on! Donation by Iain on 02/04/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Is it true you have changed your name to Don Sandyman? all the best. Donation by Jim Wright on 02/04/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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best of scottish luck, look after yourself Donation by derek stewart on 01/04/06 |
£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid |
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good luck no going back now Donation by Shona and Alan on 01/04/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
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Come back before September. I need a drinking partner for Hampshire 10 miler. Donation by Aldo Matrundola on 01/04/06 |
£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid |
| * Total raised online: | £1,705.00 |
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| Offline donations: | £2,070.92 |
| Mobile donations: | £0.00 |
| Total Raised: | £3,775.92 |
| Gift Aid plus supplement: | £475.26 |
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