The 'MdS4MS' Project

We, Philip and Alexander Lambert will run the Marathon des Sables (MdS) in April 2019, with our sister Claire supporting our admin, race logistics and most importantly our morale! We have decided to take on 'the world's toughest footrace' (Discovery Channel), which entails crossing 254km of the Sahara Desert in 6 days, in grueling conditions, in order to raise awareness and funds to help those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

Our goal is to raise £15,000 for SCOPE, the disability equality charity.  This project is in honour of our ailing father, who came 39th in MdS 1988, despite suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. We believe that disability can inspire.

Why the Marathon des Sables 2019? 

Our father, Marc Lambert, was diagnosed with MS in August 1984. When the MdS was established in 1986, Marc dreamt of completing this 6-day 254km self-supported race across the Sahara Desert, against all the odds of his affliction. After securing sponsorship from his employer, and maintaining his condition a secret from all but his close family, he was granted a place on the 3rd edition of the MdS, to take place 26th March-4th April 1988. Despite reaching 12th position at the end of Day 3, he suffered symptoms of MS on Day 4, which slowed him into a final position of 39th. His performance on MdS 1988 was a silent, but life changing and truly remarkable achievement. As a disabled young man, he realised he had the strength to fight MS through the decades. 

The impact of MS on our lives. 

We have never known our father without MS. It has steadily reduced his physical capacities to significantly limited mobility. Despite the many challenges, his resilience, sheer drive and determination have given us real ambition, and inspired us to make the most of what we have. We believe that disability, if managed and harnessed in the correct manner, can become a source of inspiration for all. In honour of our father's ongoing struggle against MS, we aim to complete the MdS 2019, 31 years after our father's successful attempt. 

Now it is down to us!

Why Fundraise for SCOPE?

By the time we cross the finish line, we hope to have raised £15,000 for SCOPE; a charity that supports and promotes equality for the disabled within our communities. SCOPE's outreach is wide-reaching and not limited to one condition – of the millions of people it supports, it includes many living with MS. Having witnessed first-hand the disarming effects of MS, this campaign is inspired by a personal connection. Philip, Alex and Claire are driven to help raise awareness of disabling conditions and promote compassion and support within our society. Also, to challenge the notion and expectations of what it means to live as a disabled citizen. 

How will we reach the £15,000 target?  

We have always been inspired by the resilience of our disabled father, who manages the symptoms and unpredictability of MS on a daily basis. As part of our extensive fundraising campaign, we plan to run a number of exciting and physically demanding events, with the hope that you may be able to support us in your own way. The vast majority of our preparatory training will be undertaken in similar climatic conditions to the MdS.

In preparation of our final challenge, we will be running 12 separate major events including half marathons, full marathons, half ironmans and ultra-marathons, covering approximately 1000kms (not including the long training runs) over the next 6 months... Challenges will include the Pyramids Marathon (Egypt), a 7-day Atlas crossing (Morocco), and other events - details yet to be announced...

We will conclude with The Marathon Des Sables (Morocco), 5-15 April, 2019.

Please donate!!  Donating is easy on the link below, and if you are a UK taxpayer, you qualify for Gift Aid to supplement your donation. Please help support this fundraising project as best as you can, in any way you can. 

Thank you very much,

Philip, Alex and Claire