Around 3 years ago having both completed various events for charity, we decided to up the stakes a little both in terms of the challenge but more importantly the fund raising target. We discussed the idea and after doing a bit of research, James suggested the Marathon Des Sables (MDS) 2012, also known as the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’.  So here we are with only months to go, running as Royal Navy competitors in the MDS 2012 in order to raise as much money as possible for The Children’s Trust.

The Challenge:

- 150 miles (250 Km) in the Sahara desert over 6 days.

- The longest day is 56 miles.

- Temperatures can get as high as 50C and can be below freezing at night.

- 30% of the race is run on soft sand including dunes up to 700ft high.

- Totally self sufficient (all equipment must be carried at all times, including sleeping bag, food, water and all other essentials) All stages must be completed in an allocated time, with penalties being given for not having essential food, water and emergency kit.

The Charity:

The range of services offered by The Children’s Trust is unique. They are a national charity, providing care, education and therapy to children with multiple disabilities and complex health needs. They also provide rehabilitation services to children with an acquired brain injury.

By taking part in the Marathon Des Sables we will help The Children’s Trust raise money to help children across the UK by expanding and developing their Brain Injury Community Team. This team is the charity’s nationwide support service for children and young people with an acquired brain injury. When a child has a brain injury they very often have real difficulties learning how to manage their own lives again. The Children’s Trust aim to make it easier for these children to adapt back to a level of normality following their brain injury.

For more info on the MDS and The Children’s Trust please visit:

http://www.darbaroud.com/

http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/

http://www.thechildrenstrust.org.uk/

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'Andre will never forgive me for persuading him this was a good idea and this can never be rectified, but in the meantime please dig deep and donate now'.