TheGobi March and Us
I think many of you knew this was on its way, as we've not exactly been quiet about it. For those of you not aware, myself, Nick Anderson and my good friend Chris Frost are off to the Gobi desert in mid June to compete in theGobi March a 250k stage race in one of the most hostile environments on earth (to be made even more hostile with the amount of protein recovery drinks we'll be knocking back over the week). The aim is to run four marathons in four days followed by a double marathon on the fifth day, a little rest and a 12k 'sprint' to the finish. Ok when I say run I mean walk... really slowly. We've bought most of our kit, we are trying to book our flights and I have purchased insurance for the heli-evac on day five. All that was left to do was our little contribution to charidee so anything that you can spare would be greatly appreciated and we'll get to feel noble and worthy for the next few months.
It really has been a bugger to train for and you can read our accounts on the links below:
Nick
http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/comptetior_blog_new.php?pid=NDI1&blog=10
Chris
http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/comptetior_blog_new.php?pid=NDI3&blog=10
We haven't set a charity target as that seemed a little grandiose but it has cost us both in the region of $6k US to take part so I reckon we've earned a little contribution from each of you. For the ladies donating we have purchased compression shirts and tights for the event and we promise a signed picture to the highest contributor... not meaning to put you off!
About our charities - I left this bit to Chris as it's his story to tell but beware it made me cry a little bit in the office
Before and certainly during a mission like the Gobi 250km March, you inevitably hit some low moments and it quickly becomes apparent having personal inspiration makes all the difference…my search for encouragement really was a short and simple one. My sister Nathalie, who was physically disabled from birth and never able to walk, died suddenly in 2001 from a rare and then undiagnosed cancer. Despite all her physical challenges she led a life filled with many adventures, often defying what ‘normal people’ deemed possible….for example, she sailed on the Lord Nelson, abseiled down a very scary building in a wheelchair and had a beautiful little girl called Abigail, now 9 years old and full of opinion!! With so many individuals and groups dedicating their time to supporting people with conditions like my sister at first it seemed selecting just one charity was an impossible task. However, in the end it was actually a simple decision after turning to the context of this crazy event Nick and I have entered. Something the majority of us take for granted but eludes so many disabled people is the freedom to get up and go outside just because you want to. Therefore, we are delighted to represent a charity close to my heart, Motability. Motability is a not-for-profit service that is the key to freedom for many people who would otherwise not be able to afford the type of car, often with special adaptations or other powered vehicle they need to get out and about and lead a regular life. Since inauguration in 1977 over 2 million cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters have been provided through the Motability Scheme. To read more click below… Motability - About Motability
Cheers all
Nick and Chris
