The Marathon des Sables has been described as the "toughest race on Earth". Competitors have to battle across a 155 mile / 250 km course covering 6 stages (including a 51 mile / 82 km stage) over 7 days in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. In addition, competitors have to carry their own food, water, and kit for the race and endure temperatures as high as 45°C (120°F). Approximately 15-20% of the race will go through sand dunes and the remainder will be on rocky paths. More information on the MdS can be found at… http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/about.html and the official website can be found at… http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php

I am running the Marathon des Sables because it is a once in a lifetime challenge and opportunity which will test me to my physical and mental limits. More importantly though, I am running to raise money for Ovacome, the ovarian cancer support network. As many of you will know my mum died of cancer after a 7 year battle in August 2008. During this time Ovacome provided an amazing amount of support, both in terms of access to their clear, reliable information, and also through their support network. What was an incredibly tough time would have been so much worse without Ovacome. They gave my mum great strength when times were difficult.

Ovacome helps raise awareness of ovarian cancer as well as providing an amazing support network for ovarian cancer suffers and their families.

The money raised will directly contribute towards running the telephone helpline, producing the factsheets and information booklets, holding annual Members Days and supporting vital medical research. Every penny helps Ovacome to support all those affected by ovarian cancer. More information on ovacome and the work they do can be found at… http://www.ovacome.org.uk/

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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!!

www.benmclean.co.uk