Paul Ruff is fundraising for The Peninsula Medical School Foundation

Marathon Des Sables challenge

Marathon Des Sables

on 28/03/2008

Finish of the Thames Path Ultra 50mile

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Raising money for

The Peninsula Medical School Foundation

Charity Registration No. 1060423

The Peninsula Medical School Foundation exists to support medical research and medical education at the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. The School is a centre of medical excellence, leading on internationally competitive research into an array of conditions and diseases that affect people today. At our newly completed laboratories at Truro, Plymouth and Exeter the key areas of research are Diabetes, Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Stroke and the interaction between the Environment and Human Health.

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Paul Ruff

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Raised so far: £2,079.40

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My story

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

Well - this is the big one. The Marathon Des Sables - the toughest foot race on earth. It covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons.

I will have to prepare all my own food throughout the race and will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.

The heat, distance and rubbing will trash my feet and may cause severe trauma if incorrect shoes and equipment are used. Mental stamina probably constitutes at least 50% of whether I will complete the distance or not.

On the 4^th day, I will set off across the barren wilderness to complete a 45 - 50 mile stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage!!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Peninsula Medical School Foundation 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!

Many thanks for your support.

	Move over Bear Grylls!!!! Donation by Charlie 04/04/08	£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid
	You're doing brilliantly. Good luck for the final stretch - fantastic achievement Donation by Katie T and family 04/04/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Jog on! Donation by Ged 03/04/08	£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid
	Brilliant effort for a brilliant cause! Well done indeed! (I'm from Newton Abbot and my son is diabetic so I'm especially pleased to sponsor you.) Donation by Juliet 02/04/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Donation by Anon 01/04/08	£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid
	good luck x Donation by athena 28/03/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	You're a winner just for taking this on now do your best. Donation by Rev Kev 27/03/08	£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
	We wish you the very best of luck Donation by Mike and Anne 26/03/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	All the best Ruff. You must be crazy. The badgers are behind you. x Donation by whatif7 25/03/08	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	You're definitely mad, but I do admire you! Donation by Joni Holohan 25/03/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	We know you can do it. Good luck and maybe even enjoy it!!! Donation by Pete B and family 25/03/08	£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid
	good luck ... do you think it'll be hot Donation by ray mears from eggesford 24/03/08	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	An irish lass will be waiting for you at the finish line with a Guinness Donation by Mike Richter 23/03/08	£20.00
	It's been said before, but good luck mate, think of how nice the foot spa will be at the end!!! Donation by Pete and Em 22/03/08	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Paul what you're doing is both extremely impressive and certifiably nuts! I know you can make it! Donation by Dave Roberts 19/03/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	good luck sir... I'm still nackered from trail running let alone a super marathon ;] Donation by Jack T. 13/03/08	£10.00
	Good Luck Druid!!! You Can Do It... look forward to hearing about it Donation by Tom Hylands 13/03/08	£5.00
	Good Luck: what's next ! Donation by Jim M. 05/03/08	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	You're bonkers - but I really admire you!!! When I feel like giving up with my marathon training, I will think of you then stop whinging! Donation by Andrea Parry 02/03/08	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	you can't go back to savory now! Donation by theolsens 02/03/08	£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid
	150 miles I could cycle that easy!!! Donation by derek(the voice)taylor 28/01/08	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Distance maybe, heat no. Good luck mate Donation by Martin 24/12/07	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Courage, but please don't suffer too much. Donation by Anne Evans 15/12/07	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Paul - you've got balls that clank Donation by Ben Hunt 27/08/07	£50.00 + £14.10 Gift Aid
	Well done on all the training Paul. You will do great. Good luck!! Donation by Catrin Harvey-Barnes 23/07/07	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	have fun YOU'RE CRAZY! Donation by Rich 02/06/07	£20.00
	And I thought Tough Guy was a crazy idea...! Donation by Andrew Vaughan 27/05/07	£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid
	good luck with the challenge you nutta i'll do your 1mile 1 pound thingymaboby love xxRALPHxx Donation by Ralphy Gilly 14/05/07	£5.50 + £1.55 Gift Aid
	Paul, it's amazing what you're doing. Best of luck with it! Donation by Lina Caccavale 10/05/07	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid
	Good luck Donation by Mark Barriball 26/04/07	£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

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* Total raised online:	£1,075.50
Offline donations:	£1,003.90
Gift Aid plus supplement:	£259.63

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Find out how much it is and what we do for it.