In April 2023 I will be racing The Marathon Des Sables in the Sahara Desert, the toughest footrace on earth.

When I was 7 and my brother was 9 we lost our mum to cancer.

Whilst I didn't really understand at the time, At 7 we witnessed the meaning of the bravery, strength, defiance, selflessness, ferocious energy and relentless drive to survive of a single parent. We also saw the meaning of unfairness, unjustness, pain and defeat.  However we continue to understand the magnitude of the generosity, unconditional love and support from my auntie and uncle who took us in, without question. Going from a family of 5 to 7 overnight.  

Cancer affects most of us sadly, unfortunately we all have a
story.  I'm very fortunate that mine continues to have a way of positively driving me personally, guiding decisions I make and ones that shape my identity.

One thing I learned young, life is too short for excuses or negativity, and I've always had a low tolerance for complaining. Mum never did. She was only 33. 

She loved children and only ever wanted to be a parent (we are told). So when considering a charity to raise funds for as part of the MDS, it felt right to support children and families affected by cancer. 

Fast forward to now, In April 2023 my eldest of three children turns 7 years old.  An age that holds significance. 

Unfortunately I won't be with him on his birthday to celebrate, for the first time ever. Instead I will be in the Sahara desert, attempting to complete an almost mythical adventure I have only seen and read about for many years and always considered beyond reach. 

 Some statistics on the race.

- Combined this is a 250km multi stage foot race over the Saharan desert in Africa. A collective 6 marathons in 6 days with varying distances. 

- self sufficient, carrying my own gear, including food, medicine, and clothing.

- Expecting to see 30-45 degree temperatures.

- 50%.  The drop out in 2021. 

It's a privilege to be able to do something like this, and many people have asked me what my motivation will be out there, and I'm sure it will jump from hour to hour. When you run long distances you run with people in your head and heart.   

I’ll run with my wife, the smartest, strongest and most caring and dedicated person I know. The CEO (chief experience officer) of the Harris tribe, who does an ultra each and every day for our children and doesn’t complain, she carrys us all with none of the accolades that you see online. whilst her own career is on pause, she ultimately inspired and drove me to do this, (and pushed me to sign up) and so her strength will carry me. Having carried 3 babies for nearly 30 months, as well as running a10km trail race whilst pregnant with our 2nd, I'm sure i'll be able to manage a backpack for a week.  

I’ll run with my children, to show them that anything worthwhile having is on the other side of a challenge. To show them the way, that they can achieve anything, no matter how scary it is. They are my reasons for being, and so they will pick me up when I am down. 

And i'll run for Kids With Cancer.  Because they can't. 

No donation target, but with even $2 with your name on it i'm sure will make a huge difference. 

If you're interested in the race itself, there's a short clip here.  

 
MARATHON DES SABLES 2022 : prêts à relever le défi ? - YouTube

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