In 2017 I will be embarking on one of the most challenging events ever...the Marathon des Sables which is documented as being the toughest foot race in the world. I started in 2000 by undertaking the London Marathon and 16 years later I have done 25 marathons, quite a few half marathons, four 100km ultras and the 4day Nijmegen Marches in Holland (40km per day for 4 days).

Out of 1300 competitors only a couple of hundred will be women and under 40 of those will be British. I will be one of those 40.

More detail of the Marathon des Sables can be found here http://www.marathondessables.co.uk/

I am currently 44 and use walking / jogging to keep me fit and my head in the right place.

I will be raising money for local charities one being http://www.friendsoffrossard.org.gg/, which is Friends of Frossard Ward which raises money for equipment for the Childrens Ward of the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, so the motto charity begins at home is true. I have also decided to join with the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation www.ppbf.org.gg/ to raise vital funds for a property called The Burrow which will open its doors to the families of premature babies or critically ill children requiring off-island (Guernsey) medical treatment in 2017, plus many other worthy local fund raising.

Due to having hypothyroidism, whilst I need to keep fit, tiredness is also a big obstacle that I have to overcome and therefore, in 2017 I will be cutting down on the longer events that I do but the Marathon des Sables has been on my bucket list for quite some time and whilst I can........training in 2016 will include the London Marathon, London to Brighton 100km to name just a few events.

Any donation great or small would be very much appreciated for such worthwhile causes.