Raised: 132%
Target: £10,000.00
Raised so far: £13,185.00
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My story

 

Marathon des Sables

30 March - 5 April 2008

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Please help me raise as much money as possible for Wooden Spoon.

It is billed as the toughest footrace in the world.... The Marathon des Sables.

 

More than 150 miles through the Sahara desert, against the clock in temperatures of up to 50C, carrying a week's worth of food on your back. At a total distance almost equivalent to six regular marathons, the Marathon Des Sables pits runners against the parched landscape of the Sahara in a gruelling test of endurance.

 

Competitors have to carry what they need to survive the race in a rucksack, including food, clothes, distress flare, medical kit and sleeping bag. Only water rations are provided by the race organisers. And when the competitors stop for the night, they have to prepare their own food — before snatching a few hours of exhausted sleep and getting up to tackle the next day of the six-stage race.

 

Stage 1      16 miles

Stage 2      21 miles

Stage 3      24 miles

Stage 4      51 miles (the big one)

Stage 5      26 miles

Stage 6      13 miles (the gentle jog to finish) 

When they are not slogging through sand dunes, competitors have to negotiate uneven, stony ground in the ever-present heat of the desert sun. Walking for long distances is not an option — because a competitor can be disqualified if they take too long on any single stage.

The following links provide an idea of the terrain and conditions...........

http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/gallery_1.html

http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/gallery_4.html

 

I am hoping to raise £10,000 of sponsorship for Wooden Spoon. Wooden Spoon’s mission is to give support to children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially.  By providing the capital to fund strategic projects, Spoon makes a long-term difference to young lives across Northern Ireland.

The following link gives a little more detail of the good work Wooden Spoon has carried out locally.....

http://www.woodenspoon.com/3_438.php

 

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Wooden Spoon will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

If you want to contact me directly please email me to mboyd1@madasafish.com.

Many thanks for your support.

Michael

Well done Donation by Peter Hazelton 21/04/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

You have already put us to shame with the training - never mind the actual event. You can do it! Donation by Paul and Gillian Reaney 30/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

'Mad as a fish' is probably correct ...give it your best. Our thoughts are with you. Donation by Mandy + Stephen Loney 30/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Denis Templeton. Templeton Robinson 28/03/08  

£100.00

Makes training seem easy... Donation by David H 21/03/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Hope it all goes well for you on this massive marathon. Stay safe and well.Good Luck Michael !! Donation by Victor & Moyra 14/03/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Good Luck !! Donation by Dave & Eleanor Mckinney 14/03/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Watch out, the camel is catching up Donation by D A 12/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck Donation by Craig Logan 12/03/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best wishes for this mamouth marathon. Take care and try to enjoy! Donation by Keith, Rosi, Anna & Faye 11/03/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

All the best Donation by Martin Pitt 10/03/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

All I have to say...total legend! Donation by Mandy 10/03/08  

£50.00

Best of luck from the Hutch clan Donation by David, Julie-Ann, Jack & Holly 28/02/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Good luck ..you can do it! Donation by Margaret McKee 27/02/08  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck! Donation by Jennifer Grimes 26/02/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

We're sure you can do it! Looking forward to celebrating with you when you recover! Donation by Taylors 25/02/08  

£75.00 + £21.15 Gift Aid

would the atkins not have easier ..remember to bring your factor 50..best of luck !!! Donation by Steve McIvor 25/02/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Run, Run, as fast as you can, you can't catch Mike he's the.............................. man!!!!! Donation by Flanners 23/02/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Mad Man!!! ... But then we always knew you are a little unhinged .. good luck pal!!! Donation by Jonathan Wilson 21/02/08  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

good luck!!!! I here John McBride is doing it but he is carrying bricks in his pack back!! so step up mike..I know how competitive u guys r! Donation by Debs Mullan 20/02/08  

£20.00

No pain, no gain . . as always M, you're a freak! Donation by Sharon McGreevy 16/02/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Best of luck Bod Donation by Andy Dick 15/02/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Donation by ian doherty 13/02/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

youll enjoy a pint at the end of it ! Donation by Joe Di Rollo 13/02/08  

£50.00

Threatened by Mr McCord into giving !! Donation by Alistair/Oracle 12/02/08  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Hope it all goes well for you Michael and the best of luck !! Donation by Alice Sheridan 12/02/08  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid

Sun and Sand - lots and lots of Sand Agrhhhh! Donation by John Boy 11/02/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

A slightly extreme way to show you don`t like Sat am coaching..... Donation by Paul & Judith McCord 10/02/08  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

Mike, this should get you about 50 packs of babywipes for your "runs"!!! Donation by John Jennings 07/02/08  

£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid

Hi Michael, GOOD LUCK!!! Donation by Neil McMillan 07/02/08  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
Donate now
 
* Total raised online: £2,635.00
  Offline donations: £10,550.00
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £681.15

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