From 4 - 10 April 2010 I took part in the 25th Marathon des Sables. This ultra-marathon event has  been described as being the ‘toughest footrace on Earth’.

Thankfully after 68 hours of running and walking across the sand, rocks, scrub and mountians of Morocco I finished the event! Thanks to everyone for their enduring support and encouragement. I really couldn't have done it without you!

Please visit my webpages to read more about my desert experiences - http://rocklore.co.uk/mds_updates.htm

The Marathon des Sables was first run in 1986 and subsequently over 24 previous events, over 10,000 competitors have endured both highs and lows during the endurance 7 day event. Such is the draw and allure of the event that 30% of the competitors in 2009 were repeat runners.

The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert and this year covered 250 km (155 miles) in six stages over 7 days. This distance is equivalent to 5.5 regular marathons with the longest  two day ,non-stop stage being 80 km (50 miles) long.

Competitors must carry all personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack. Water and tents are supplied by the organizers.

My aim for taking part in this event was simple: to complete the event and
to raise over £5,000 for Help for Heroes.

Help For Heroes (H4H) was the idea of Appeal Chairman Bryn Parry and a group of friends and relations, many of who have connections with serving servicemen and women. Bryn and his wife Emma wanted to do something to help the wounded and came up with the idea of a sponsored bike ride. Word spread and suddenly H4H was born and growing fast. A flurry of visits to various offices led to the campaign being blessed by the head of the army, Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

One of the main recipients of support from H4H is the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre - Headley Court. Having had two knee ligament reconstruction operations in the past 10 years, I was extremely lucky on both occasions, due to my service connections, to benefit from the excellent facilities and staff at Headley Court and I hope that my Sahara endeavours might help in some way to repay the huge debt of gratitude that I have for their help.