After many years of talking about it, I have eventually ran out of excuses and am now committed to the MDS this year - in about 6 weeks time! Although I am looking forward to the event I feel I couldn't let the opportunity pass by to raise money for a great charity that I have got to know locally to us. 

To quote Wikipedia the ‘Marathon des Sables, or MdS, is a six-day, 251 km ultramarathon, which is approximately the distance of six regular marathons. The longest single stage is 91 km long. This multiday race is held every year in southern Morocco, in the Sahara Desert. It has been regarded as the toughest foot race on Earth’  

If the above wasn’t silly enough it does fail to mention that you have to carry all your food for the 6 days and sleep on the desert floor at night…

In spite of the above I am however really pleased to have the opportunity to raise money for a local charity who are addressing a very important and growing need.

Home Start recruits and trains volunteers who are then matched with a family who needs some additional support in giving children the best possible start.  Families can refer themselves, but are generally referred by a Health Visitor or other agency.  Additional needs include multiple births, domestic abuse, disabilities or long term illness, mental health issues and other specialist needs. 

Any donations are very gratefully received and will help for extra motivation in these closing weeks!

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. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.