Well, after taking on the mighty Marathon Des Sables last year and loving every minute of it (honest!), I couldn’t resist the opportunity to do it all again in 2013! This time, however, my son Craig will be joining me and we’re both undertaking the challenge on behalf of UK Spinal Cord Injury cure research charity, Walkoncemore.

After crossing the finishing line last April, I’m pretty sure I promised myself ‘‘Never ever again!’’. Well, not even recounting my tales of the realities of the desert could make me change my mind about signing up to do it all again, nor could it dissuade Craig from wanting to get fully stuck in himself! Whilst an amazing experience, I can attest to it being one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced.

This time however, Craig and I are hoping to complete the course even faster than my time last year and with your support and generosity, we’ll certainly give it a good go!

As a six-day, 254 km (156 mile) ultra-marathon and the equivalent to six regular marathons, the MdS really is the toughest footrace on Earth. It’s nothing, however, compared to how tough life is for millions of Spinal Cord Injury victims all over the World.

By pushing ourselves through each gruelling mile, we’re aiming to raise much needed funds and awareness towards cutting edge research into a cure for this devastating condition. In an instant, a paralysing Spinal Cord Injury robs the victim and their family of so much, and Walkoncemore support only the most cutting edge research into a solution. Permanent Spinal Cord Injuries will hopefully be a thing of the past before long, and Walkoncemore generate funds to support the brightest minds working tirelessly to make this happen as soon as is safely possible

A Spinal Cord Injury can affect any one of us at any time, so please think of Walkoncemore's work as something of an insurance policy, and please dig deep! Every little bit really does help, and will propel us round this unforgiving course again.

We’re looking to raise a minimum of £7,000 each, but we may even exceed this with your kindness and generosity –fingers crossed! 

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. It’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Both of us really appreciate your support, thanks so much everyone!!