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Bad news from the Lovell Grundberg camp. Ross, after being hit by a car last summer (during the record breaking Land's End to John O'Groats and back non-stop cycle), has still not recovered from a broken kneecap, and has had to pull out of the race. Chris was originally going to be running alone, but not to be outdone has now fractured and dislocated his shoulder and has also been forced to withdraw from the 2006 event.

This is clearly gutting for both of us, after 18 months of preparation and psyching ourselves up for the race. However, not to be put off, we have both secured places for the 2008 event (2007 having already been filled), and we are all the more determined than ever and will be all the better prepared. Therefore the sponsorship campaign continues!

The reasons for taking part remain the same:

During the summer of 2004 I (Ross) had a cancer scare. Having been jabbed with needles and camera probed, I was taken into hospital for an operation to remove three suspect lumps from my neck. To say that waking up with a tube draining fluid from your neck is unpleasant is probably an understatement. However, the wait for almost two weeks to hear whether I had cancer or not was unbearable. Fortunately I was given the all clear, but the experience was enough to make me want to do something to help those who are less lucky. People like my Grandad, for example. He has prostate cancer and needs regular treatment, check-ups and medication. A year and a half ago my Great Nan died with bowel cancer, and my mum has regular check-ups after an operation on a major breast cancer scare. I know first hand the fear that cancer instils in people and the emotional roller coaster that families find themselves riding.

When Ross suggested we do this I was immediately enthusiastic. Widely regarded as the toughest footrace on earth, the Marathon des Sables is something we’ve both wanted to do for some time. It’s a 150 mile race across the Sahara, which takes place every year over 6 days in early April. Temperatures regularly reach 50 degrees centigrade, and competitors have to negotiate sand dunes the size of thirty storey buildings whilst carrying all the food and supplies they need for the duration. Needless to say, blisters are de rigeur.

Given all this there has to be a very good reason for taking part, and that is to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief. This is one of the best known cancer charities: they provide specialist health care and information to cancer sufferers and their families. They work closely with the NHS and provide funding for specific Macmillan doctors and nurses, whose salaries are later taken on by the NHS. By effectively kick-starting services and developing them, rather than running them themselves Macmillan are able as a charity to be flexible and respond quickly to the new needs of people affected by cancer. Several people that I know, including two of my closest friends and relatives, have either been diagnosed with or come very close to cancer. I also want to do something to help.

Thanks to all who have already donated, it makes the training more bearable!

Ross and I completed our journey from Land's End to John O'Groats and back in July 2005 in a world record non-stop time of 5 days and 16 hours, in a team with Lyndon Bradshaw and Tom Baker. The amount raised from this challenge was £1268, an achievement that Lyndon can take a huge slice of the credit for, after a great publicity effort.

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor us online. Lets help Macmillan provide the care and support for people trying to deal with cancer. Please give generously - this website is a fantastic means of contributing to the cause, and the GiftAid scheme allows us to claim an extra 25% of your donation in tax.

If you have any suggestions for fundraising, or would like to support us in another way (e.g. help with kit or race registration money) do not hesitate to get in contact. Either email cgrundberg@accelerace.co.uk or rlovell@accelerace.co.uk , or call Ross on 07916 289553.Sponsor us now and spread the word!

Many thanks for your support,

Ross and Chris

The (now even longer) road to the Sahara:

Land End to John O Groats and back non-stop by bike – June 2005 (Completed)

Snowdonia Marathon - October 2005 (Completed)

Cornwall Marathon - November 2005 (Completed)

Pennine Duathlon – June 2006

Norseman Extreme Triathlon – August 2006

Accelerace Extreme Triathlon – September 2006

Snowdonia Marathon - October 2006

Cornwall Marathon - November 2006

Thames Meander Race (Reading to London) - January 2007

The Marathon des Sables – April 2008