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/

What an incredible thing to do, Good Luck! Donation by Kerri Fuller 18/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Enjoy every second of your adventure Ian. The memories will last you a lifetime. Good luck! Donation by Dyan Batterbury 17/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck and keep hydrated Donation by Martin 17/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Amazing or mad?! Will be thinking of you Donation by Catherine Rhodes 15/02/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian, I'll be with you in spirit Donation by Wendy 15/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

good luck! Donation by Graham 15/02/06  

£20.00

Donation by Clare Rhodes 15/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Wishing you lots of luck, you crazy wonderful person! Donation by Catherine Mitchell 15/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Huge admiration for you - best of luck!! Donation by Nicky, Robin and Oliver 14/02/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Bonne chance et courage ! Donation by Pat and Terry Russell 14/02/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Best of luck! Such a worthy cause. Donation by Maria Cichy-Knight 14/02/06  

£25.00

The very best of luck Ian. Donation by Vicky Berry 14/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck! I know u can do it! Take care! Donation by Lucy & Jamie 14/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

I hope they have a cold spell when you run Donation by John Harling 13/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Ben Snell (Kates boyfriend) 13/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Ian. Donation by Bob Hunter 13/02/06  

£20.00

Good Luck Donation by Maureen Hall - Thursday Walker 11/02/06  

£10.00

Here's to a safe return and a nice hot bath! Donation by Richard & Elizabeth Willett 10/02/06  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Donation by Richard 10/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian, rather you than me! Donation by Trevor Keel 10/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

good luck from Trev's (GSK) Mum! Donation by ruth keel 10/02/06  

£10.00

God be with you every step Donation by Aunty Pat 09/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Ian, Good Luck on your Desert Trek Donation by John L Lemanowicz 09/02/06  

£100.00

What an unbelievable challenge! Wishing you all the luck in the world - big hugs xx Donation by Nicki & Richard 09/02/06  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Hope it all goes well.. and don't forget to pack your trainers! Donation by Johnny & Jane 09/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Imogen has offered her sandpit for training! Donation by Stu & Esther 08/02/06  

£75.00 + £21.15 Gift Aid

Donation by Yemisi Solanke 08/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Ian, you're the man!! Donation by Richard Jenkins 08/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Best of luck Donation by Helen Quillin 08/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Go for it Ian! Good luck! Donation by Owen 08/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
Donate now
 
* Total raised online: £7,397.14
  Offline donations: £760.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £1,432.82

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