So, a couple of years ago i decided that entering the Marathon des Sables was a good idea and i signed up for the race in April 2012...

That's now nearly here, so having trained since January 2011, the final piece of my preparation is to use my participation to try to raise as much money as possible for CICRA. As the link on the right explains, CICRA undertakes research into Crohn's in children.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is the inflammation and ulceration of the digestive tract that can cause severe pain, vomiting, nausea, dramatic weight loss, persistent diarrhoea or constipation.

I know a few people who have it, so I am raising money for them in particular, but I also want to raise money for research into the disease as lots of people seem to know someone who has it or know someone who knows someone who has it.

I really appreciate any donation that you are able to make - and i'm happy to match any donations you make to me now, for events that you do in the future!

Thanks in advance!

The Marathon des Sables

In case you don't know (and I have definitely bored most of you about my participation in the event over the last year or three...), the MdS is a 250km footrace over 7 days across the Sahara Desert. Day 4 is a particular highlight as we will be doing an 80km ultra marathon...

I will carry my own food and equipment in my rucksack (about 10-12kgs) and the organisers provide water at the various checkpoints along the way. I'll be sleeping in a tent with 7 other like-minded souls and keeping my fingers crossed the desert scorpions, spiders and snakes decide to give us a wide berth.

The MdS is described as the toughest footrace on earth and with temperatures reaching up to 50 degrees and me not having the most natural ability to tan, it's easy to see why this race will live up to its reputation.

I have regularly been asked:

Q. Why am I doing it?

A. (1) To raise as much cash for Crohn's as possible. (2) To challenge myself and find out if I am strong enough (mentally, more than physically) to finish the race.

Q. Why the pink gaitors?

A. (1) Because any opportunity to customise sports kit should be taken. (2) So I can spot myself (at the back of the pack) more easily on the Eurosport TV Program of the event that will come out in the summer.

Q. Will I be ready by the 8th April when it starts?

A. Time will tell...

Just Giving

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 and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.