Hello!!

I am running in the 2009 Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands)  – ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’. This covers 243km/151 miles run over 6 days - equivalent to 5 ½ regular marathons in the Sahara Desert. In addition to that, I have to carry everything I will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on my back (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint.

I will experience mid-day temperatures of over 40oC, 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 ruin my feet, the heat and the sun will be blistering and sandstorms that disorientate and blind you are a daily occurrence.

The big question you are probably asking is why?! The challenge of pushing my body and mind both physically and mentally beyond anything imaginable is what is driving me, it is difficult to understand and difficult to explain. However, when I cross that line whether I run, walk or crawl I know I will have achieved the ultimate foot race on earth; I will have achieved a lifetime goal.

I am continually raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research, which funds international recognised research at the Yorkshire University Hospitals of Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York. Therefore it will not solely affect the people of Yorkshire but every other part of the UK, assisting in the advancement of Cancer Research on an international scale.

I am extremely grateful of any sponsorship that you can provide, every little bit does make a difference.

Thank you for all your support and interest!

Penny xx

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: Yorkshire Cancer Research 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.