On 1st April (yes, I know!), I travel to Morocco to take part in the 25th Marathon des Sables, running 150 miles across the Sahara Desert, carrying all my food, cooking equipment, kit, sleeping bag, etc., on my back. The only thing I won’t carry is my tent, as the organisers kindly set up communal bivouacs at each overnight camp.
Why? Many of you will know me as an experienced runner, having run about 35 marathons since my first in 1982. When my friend, Cliff, was training for MdS a few years ago, he convinced me I’d enjoy it (I was in the pub, sober, at the time!). Next thing I knew, he’d put my name down on the reserve list, and in September 2009, I found out, I was in. Then the training begain in earnest (that’s me at Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, which I tackle each time I visit “home” in South Wales). To simulate the 30 plus degrees daytime temperature I’ll experience in the desert, I’ve been training in lots of layers - thermals, jacket, hat and gloves. Unfortunately, the snow, ice and freeezing temperatures in the UK over the past few months have meant I’ve needed them anyway.
Why fundraise? Because I do so many events, I don’t usually fundraise. However, Marathon des Sables is known as “the toughest footrace on Earth”, and will certainly be the toughest physical and mental challenge I’ve ever undertaken. Hence, so many of you have kindly offered to sponsor me. I have funded all the (considerble) cost of the trip and kit myself, so all monies raised will go to charity.
Why these two charities?
Cancer Research UK, because I’ve lost so many people dear to me to various forms of cancer, including my father, mother-in-law and sister. You will know people who have suffered, too. Together we can beat it!
The Salvation Army, because I am passionte about the non-judgmental work they do with vulnerable people, especially the lonely – homeless, elderly, domestic violence victims, etc.
I hope you will support me in my desire to help the two charities equally, by splitting your donation and visiting my bmycharity page for Cancer Research UK.
www.bmycharity.com/ronsingletonmdscancerresearch
Finally, your donations will be really important to my two chosen charities, but, of equal importance to me, will be your messages of support (or expressions of madness!).
Thank you
Ron/Ronnie/Veronica
For more information on the Marathon des Sables please visit
http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/about.html
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
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