Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Those that know me know I love a challenge....This year though, I am attempting the hardest event I've ever contemplated. On the 4th April I depart the UK to run the Marathon Des Sables- a gruelling 155 mile 6 day race across one of the world’s most inhospitable climates - the Sahara desert!

The rules require me to be self-sufficient and to carry with me on my back everything that I need to survive. I'm given a place in a tent to sleep at night, but any other equipment and food must be carried. I have no idea how my body will cope with 50 degree heat, running through sand day after day, living off a diet of freeze dried food and sleeping on a mat on the desert floor - its certainly going to test me both physically and mentally.

In preparation, I have been running numerous marathons at the weekend, in all weather conditions, from deep snow to heavy rain- pretty much everything except the conditions I will be faced with in the desert!

I have decided, given the enormity of the challenge, to raise some money for charity. Having thought hard I have decided to support Rays of Sunshine, a charity that grants wishes for terminally and seriously ill children in the UK aged 3-18. They receive no government funding, relying purely on the generosity of public donations. Furthermore, all of the money you donate will go directly to the Charity and doesn't fund the trip in any way, so please dig as deep as you can for this worthy cause, much like I will be on day 4 when I have to run two marathons back to back!

Thank you for your support and I look forward to updating you when I get back!

Rob