Raised: 272%
Target: £3,000.00
Raised so far: £8,157.14
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My story

 

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.  I will be running the Marathon Des Sables (MdS) between 6th -17th April 2006.

A Big Thank you!!

Wow, I'm delighted I've reached my initial £3000 target.  Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me.  This was the minimum I wanted to raise for Cancer Research UK as with race entry fee, flights, accommodation and equipment it is going to cost me approx £2800.  I'm paying this so that all money donated will go straight to Cancer Research UK.  I know it's not just about raising money, it's about raising awareness, but please continue to sponsor me so that all the pain is worthwhile.

I've been extremely touched by everyone's generosity and words of encouragement.  An extra special thank you to all the pupils, teachers and parents at Roundhay School in Leeds where Karen, my sister, was a music teacher.  Their non-uniform day raised an amazing £1217.14!!!!!

 

Donating
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Cancer Research will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.  Although this website is secure, if you aren't happy to donate money on-line and would like to sponsor me, please e-mail me ian.baldwin@ntlworld.com

The Marathon Des Sables

The MdS is not an ordinary marathon. It is an endurance race billed as the toughest foot race in the world. Literal translation of MdS is the “sand marathon”, so no surprises that it all takes place in the Sahara Desert !!! The race is open to 600 competitors worldwide of which about 200 are from the UK.

The MdS consists of running/walking approximately 150 miles (240 km), the equivalent of 5-6 marathons, over 7 days.  This includes one 82 km (52 miles) stage which will go on through the night. I will also need to reach certain checkpoints within time limits.

One of the biggest challenges will be the weather.  In April the temperatures can be in excess of 40 °C, and sandstorms are not uncommon.

If this isn't hard enough, I also have to be self sufficient in food and carry any other equipment I require in a rucksack, including sleeping bag and venom pump (hopefully won't need this!!!). The rucksack will weigh about 15 kg, not including the weight of water!!!.

Why am I doing this?

I want to raise awareness and money for Cancer Research because one and a half years ago, my sister died of breast cancer, aged 33. Running for this cause is giving me a strong feeling of fulfillment and purpose after the devastation of my sister's death.

All money donated will go to Cancer Research .

Please make my pain worthwhile and sponsor me now!!!!! 

Thank you very much for your support

Ian

For more information on the work Cancer Research does please visit http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

For more information on the MdS please visit http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/

Good Luck Donation by Rosemary Pettitt 21/03/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Will be thinking of you Ian Donation by John and Marg, family and friends 20/03/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Donation by Bec Scott 19/03/06  

£10.00

Donation by V Kendall 19/03/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

What a challenge you have set yourself, but all in a worthwile cause. We wish you all the best Donation by Geoff and Anthea Thomas 19/03/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

With love from everyone at Roundhay School Donation by Roundhay School, Leeds 19/03/06  

£1,217.14

May your footsteps be guided and your efforts be well rewarded. Donation by anonymous 19/03/06  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Good Luck - Go for it Ian!! Donation by Doncaster Business Studies Ret. Teachers 17/03/06  

£25.00

Wishing you all the very best Ian for this very tough event. We wil be thinking of you. Donation by Pete, Karen & Owen 16/03/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Pat Taylor 11/03/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Such a well wlrth cause, you have to be admired Donation by Barbara & Meirian Williams 11/03/06  

£10.00

Donation by Colin 10/03/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Charlotte Mitchell 08/03/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Donation by Ken 07/03/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck! Donation by Kirsty (GSK Harlow) 06/03/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

mate, what a good effort. all the best and it would be good to catch up soon. Donation by Jon Lee 06/03/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

You're mad!!! Good luck and be safe! Donation by Anna, Carl, Charlie & Paul 01/03/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian! Donation by Hannah Carey 27/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Brazilian !! Like it ! Donation by saadet 25/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck,Ian---go for it it is on Mike's birthday so that is good!! Donation by Pat & Mike Rhodes 25/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck!!! Donation by Ivan Pinto 24/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

The bloke who talked around the WGC 10! Donation by Chris Walby 23/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Simon g 23/02/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian Donation by Brian J 22/02/06  

£75.00 + £21.15 Gift Aid

A great cause which will require fantastic effort. All the best, Ian. Donation by ChrisLee 20/02/06  

£10.00

Best of Luck! Donation by Mike Chitty 20/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Thinking of you whilst on maternity leave! Donation by Shelly 20/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Best of luck Donation by Sarah 19/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Emma V. 19/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Anthony 18/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
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* Total raised online: £7,397.14
  Offline donations: £760.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £1,432.82

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