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/

Best of luck! Donation by Hannah Johns 07/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

what an amzing thing to do! Donation by Rochelle 07/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck, keep on running! Donation by Steve & Jenny 06/02/06  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

A marvellous tribute, we wish you every success Donation by Hall Cross School, Doncaster 06/02/06  

£100.00

Its best to do a soft shoe shuffle on sand !!! Donation by Betty&Bob Lomax 06/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

It should be slightly less enduring than a Btk meeting! Donation by Jen (lead op 2) 06/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Irene and Brian 06/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Ian Donation by Rachel Indge's Mum & Dad 05/02/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good Luck, make sure you pack the plasters for the blisters ! Donation by Darrell, Rachel, Thomas and Samuel Indge 05/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck - am wondering if I can manage just one marathon not 6!! Donation by Kathy Stones 05/02/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good Luck You Brave? Lad............ Donation by Dave & Jill Agates & Girls, Gladys, Helen & Jon 05/02/06  

£60.00

My love & good wishes go with you Donation by pauline 04/02/06  

£50.00

Good Luck Ian! Donation by Nigel Indge 03/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian, first pint's on us when you finish! Donation by Kate and Mat 03/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good luck. Hope the blisters aren't too bad! Donation by Davina & Tony 03/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian, Donation by Sharon Bernard 03/02/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Donation by Mike Woodrow 02/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Sarah 02/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck! : ) Donation by Meenal from GSK Harlow 02/02/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good luck Ian! Donation by Justyna 02/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Ian Donation by Amanda 02/02/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

We support your meaningful mission Donation by Bill and Karen Lackey 02/02/06  

£50.00

Good luck and make many friends there!! Donation by Shunsuke 02/02/06  

£50.00

Enjoy the dunes, and savour the finish line! Donation by Menai 01/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Awesome challenge! Sandtastic! Thinking about you all the way. Donation by Paul and Stef Bowman 01/02/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Loads of luck and come home safe! Donation by Rachel 01/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Greg Margetts 01/02/06  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

we wish you all the luck in the world! Donation by Andy & Sarah 01/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Kate Russell 01/02/06  

£200.00 + £56.41 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Juliet and Pete 01/02/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 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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