I'm about to run the 2011 Marathon Des Sables (MDS). The MDS is a multi-leg, self-sufficiency ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert. About 800 competitors will race 6 marathons in 6 consecutive days (151 miles / 243 km) with full kit - all they give us is rationed water. They call it the toughest footrace on Earth.

I'm going to run for a charity and I've chosen the Afghanistan Trust. The Afghanistan Trust was formed in 2007 to help support the soldiers, and their families, who have served with the Parachute Regiment in Afghanistan and have been wounded or killed as a consequence. The Regiment is in Helmand province right now and the third tour has come at a cost: 6 soldiers killed and 40 injured already. Please see www.afghanistantrust.org for more information.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now. THANK YOU. Piers Cushing.