My name is Oli Dobson, I am a serving British Army Officer and am very keen to raise awareness for and contribute to Help For Heroes (H4H) and the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).  During my service I have seen a number of friends killed or injured in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  My Regiment have just completed a 7 month tour in Helmand Province, Afghanistan where we sustained a number of serious casualties who will require support for years to come.  I would therefore like to raise money for what I feel is an excellent cause, and I plan to do this by competing in the 2009 Atacama Crossing.

The Atacama Crossing is a high-profile ultra-marathon which lasts 6 days and crosses the Atacama Desert in Chile – it will take place between the 29th of March and the 4th of April 2009. The race involves 6 stages; stages 1-4 are approximately 27 miles each, stage 5 is 46 miles and the final stage is 10 miles. A total of around 160 miles (effectively 6 marathons in 5 days). Each competitor must carry all their food, water and equipment for the duration of the race. The Atacama desert is not only the driest place on earth, it is also a high altitude desert and the race begins at an altitude of approximately 3000m. If you are interested in finding out more about this event, reading my blog or indeed following my progress throughout the event go to – www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/

I enjoy the challanges that this kind of physical endurance event poses and feel it is the least I can do for those who have suffered for us all, past and present.  Any donation you feel you could make will make a difference.  Thank you