Raised: 76%
Target: £20,000.00
Raised so far: £15,227.00
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My story

 

I have just completed theMarathon des Sables, an endurance race in the Moroccan desert, to raise funds for Motivation. The event itself began rather dramatically with a cancellation to the first leg of the race due to freak flooding, in the desert!  The big question was: would the race still go ahead? Thoughts turned to the prospect of water-logged packs and wet sandy feet. After two years’ build up, and the fantastic support from family, friends and even people we hardly knew, what we wanted more than anything was for the race to go ahead. The race finally got the go ahead, to our collective relief, and we were off.

The first day was straight into 14km of classicSahara sand dunes, with another 4km at the end for good measure. Day two brought the first batch of blisters and a steep learning curve on how to treat them! By now ‘Tent 80’, which was home to our group, had decided that we would keep going through the night to complete the long stage (91km) and have some time to recover before the next marathon. Keeping going for hour after hour is not possible with just physical fitness. Thoughts of family, friends and the amazing support I have received kept coming into my head and helped me to keep going. At 04.10 in the morning – more than 19 hours after setting off, I crossed the finish line for that stage. It was a fantastic feeling.

I will never forget my view of the finish on the final day. After winding up and round a rocky corner; on the horizon down in the valley below were the camp and the finish. It was very emotional and I mentally savoured every step of the run towards the line. As the competitors finished, we lined up cheering and clapping people in. I am thrilled to say that the support I have received from friends, family and supporters enabled me to push myself to the absolute limit and I finished the race 389th out of over 820 starters. I was also the 30th woman; a great personal achievement.

 

I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received, and in turn this has helped me to raise over £13,000 for Motivation. But there is still a long way to go: I have set myself a target of £20,000 which will enable Motivation to positively impact on hundreds of lives worldwide. Please sponsor me and help me to achieve my target.“

If you would like to read more about the race visit www.MDSrunMDS.com.

Congratulations and well done! Donation by The Jarmans 05/06/09  

well done Sarah! Donation by Helen Bardle 22/05/09  

Still need to see those feet for proof!! Amazing Sarah, we're in total awe! XX Donation by Nina and Andrew 02/05/09  

A tremendous achievement - well done! Donation by Sue Spencer 30/04/09  

Well done - please add this to the original sponsorship - congratulations! Donation by Jenny Freeman 20/04/09  

Wow that is amazing. Well done and we look forward to hearing all about it when you are back at the running club. Donation by Greg & Helen 20/04/09  

I was just so impressed hearing you on the radio but the bit about the lost toenails got to me most, that's determination! Donation by Jean 13/04/09  

Well done all of you Donation by Michaela's mum 05/04/09  

Good luck and take care. Donation by George & Beti 04/04/09  

Good luck - an amazing challenge for a wonderful cause Donation by Ann Scott 03/04/09  

Go for it Sarah. Wishing you all the best, and lots of energy! An incredible effort! Donation by Belinda Carwardine & the gang 01/04/09  

Go Sarah Go! Have a fantastic race, what an experience and with every step, you're helping so many people :-) Donation by Simon 01/04/09  

Bon courage! Donation by Marius 27/03/09  

good luck, keep going. Donation by Kay Kitching 25/03/09  

best of luck and hope yopu enjoy the experience Donation by Stuart Pender 25/03/09  

An amazing task - slightly mad but incredibly impressive. Wishing you luck and strength with every step. Gail x Donation by Gail Smith 24/03/09  

A superb effort Donation by Jean & Willie Constantine 23/03/09  

Best of luck Team MDS Donation by Jenny Freeman 23/03/09  

Total madness Sarah but every step you take will be making a difference - Go Girl! The rehydrated shepherds pie is a serious worry!!! Lisa X Donation by Lisa Cattermole Watkins 22/03/09  

Don't know you but to take on this challenge for such a worthy cause moved me to tears, fantastic effort. Best of luck. Donation by Alex Appleby 20/03/09  

A tough challenge for a really good cause. Best wishes & good luck. Donation by Peem 19/03/09  

Best of luck Sarah, I'll be thinking of you! Donation by Aileen 18/03/09  

Keith Grammar Cross Country seems like a lifetime ago - go for it!! You have it in you. Donation by Suzie Ross (nee Dicks) 17/03/09  

Good luck MDS Team! Have a ball Donation by Jackie Ducker 17/03/09  

Great cause Donation by Vanessa Haarhoff 15/03/09  

What an amazing challenge and adventure. Enjoy the experience. Donation by Edinburgh Frosts 13/03/09  

Good Luck Donation by Neil H 10/03/09  

Best of luck ! Donation by Jonathan B 10/03/09  

I am so full of admiration for you! What you are doing is truly amazing! Good luck!! Donation by Heidi Pettersson 08/03/09  

Good Luck, (just keep going!) Donation by Mike, Jenny & the girls 08/03/09  

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* Total raised online: £2,448.50
  Offline donations: £12,778.50
  Gift Aid plus supplement: £549.58

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