In March 2022 I shall be attempting to complete the Marathon des Sables. It is a 250km race across the Sahara, the equivalent of six marathons over six days, in sweltering heat and unforgiving terrain. Competitors have to carry everything they need for the duration of the event including food. This challenge is often regarded as the toughest race in the world. You can find out more about the race and my progress on my website: runthesahara.org

I have decided to use this challenge to raise money for the The Gurkha Welfare Trust. Many years ago I was a young officer in the British Army. I had an exciting 17 year career and in that time I served as a military engineer, diver and bomb disposal officer. I was also fortunate to be selected to serve with the Queens Gurkha Engineers.  During my five years with that Regiment I developed a respect and admiration for the soldiers, the people and the country. I was fortunate enough to spend time in Nepal learning the language and designing gravity water systems in remote villages high in the Himalayan mountains. I saw first hand how hard life can be which is why I am supporting them in this challenge through The Gurkha Welfare Trust.  This amazing charity provides financial, medical and development aid to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities. They are literally a lifeline for many people in Nepal, a country that is still recovering from the devastating earthquake that destroyed thousands of homes and schools some years ago. With limited medical facilities, especially in the mountains, it is also a country struggling to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. You can help this wonderful charity continue its work (and give me a big morale boost in the process) by making a donation to this incredible charity, no matter how small