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 Alex Easton 01/02/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Donation by Dr Richard M Angell 01/02/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck - hope your training goes well Donation by Julie Graham 01/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Your sister would be very proud - Good Luck Donation by Sally 01/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Don't forget to pack the bucket and spade Donation by Paul B 01/02/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck we know what you will go through Donation by Mavis and Dennis Allport 31/01/06  

£50.00

Donation by Gavin 31/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Peter Foxall 31/01/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good Luck - I'll be nearly 1 when you get back. Donation by Charlotte Hodgson 31/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Lee Butterwick 31/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Donation by Chris Timson 31/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

all the best Ian and take care Donation by Tim and Fi 31/01/06  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

An awesome challenge - best of kuck! Donation by Nancy Marsh 30/01/06  

£100.00

good luck ian - looking forward to hearing all about it on your return. Donation by jen and rod 30/01/06  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Please don't step on any snakes Uncle Ian! Donation by Alice Willett 30/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of Luck, take it steady! Donation by Mark Willett 30/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck!!!and Take CAre!! Donation by Ahmed 30/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck :o) Donation by Debbie 30/01/06  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good luck - John Donation by John at GSK Brentford 30/01/06  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Well Done & Good Luck Donation by Claire Wright's Mum & Dad 30/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by Stuart 30/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck and avoid those creatures that require the use of the venom pump!! Donation by Claire Wright 30/01/06  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Lots of luck Ian. Don't forget the vaseline x Donation by Rachel & Gareth 29/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

The best of luck Ian Donation by J E Wilson 29/01/06  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Ron and Janet Fletcher 28/01/06  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Good Luck. Go for it Ian. Come home safe Donation by Mum & Dad 26/01/06  

£200.00 + £56.41 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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