Visit my blog to track my progress: http://runningthesands.me/

 

I'm running the Marathon des Sables.  Right now that likely means little to you so let me explain.

What?

Held annually, the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) is a 156 mile, six-day race across the Sahara Desert.  And being a self-sufficient race, runners have the added challenge of having to carry their food, cooking utensils, clothes, sleeping equipment and medical supplies needed for the week.

Why?

A rugby player by blood, fitness and training might be stuff I’m familiar with but in the world of marathon and ultramaraton running I’m a new recruit, an apprentice.  But I’m hooked, having enjoyed a series of races in the past, I was searching for a challenge of extremes to test myself against and stumbled across the MdS, the self acclaimed “toughest footrace on earth”.

 

Whilst this might have tones of self indulgence in combining passions of fitness, adventure and travel, it's also an opportunity to expand on my passion for helping charities.  And the charity of my choice is Unique Kidz & Co, a very special group of people who provide specialist services for disabled children and their families in the area of north Lancashire and south Cumbria.  From social activities for the children to respite for the families, this lot make a huge difference and being a local independent charity, set up by 2 mums with disabled children, they depend on fundraising and donations to keep operating.

 

My aim is to support the charity in raising part of the £75,000 they desperately need to equip their new centre of excellence with the essential equipment it needs to open.

 

When?

 

I set off for Morocco on April 4 2014, which at the time of this page going live is 156 days before the 156 desert miles.  During these coming months I'll be covering many miles in training and hope to raise a good few pounds in sponsorship.  So this is where I turn to you and kindly ask that you spare whatever you can and donate to help support the families reliant on Unique Kidz & Co.