Hello!!

Thank you for visiting my Justgiving page!

My name is Jake. I am a doctor from the UK, currently living and working in Sydney, Australia.

This April I am running in an event dubbed the 'toughest footrace on earth' - the Marathon Des Sables. A 250km foot race across the Sahara desert over 6 days (more than 90km covered on day 5 alone) where you have to carry all your gear for the week...on your back...the whole bloomin' way!

This will not only be a personal challenge realised but it is also a wonderful opportunity to raise money for a very important cause - ovarian cancer research. The charity i am raising for is Ovarian Cancer Action - UK's leading ovarian cancer charity. Follow this link for more details - #mce_temp_url#. 

Why this charity? My dearest Auntie Soozie was recently diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  She is currently fighting her own personal battle and undergoing chemotherapy as we speak.

Soozie is not alone...

More than 7000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year with more than 4500 dying annually. Survival rates for Ovarian Cancer in the UK are amongst the lowest in Europe. Why? Symptoms are vague, diagnosis is challenging (often made too late) and thus prognosis is often poor.  

There is no doubt that this will be one of the biggest physical and mental challenges of my life. The challenge facing me is surmountable, but the challenge facing many women with Ovarian cancer is not. Funds are undoubtedly required for ongoing research and improved diagnostic tools, but greater public awareness will lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes overall.

Training has been tough - fitting in 2-5 hour runs before or after a full day's work. I can assue you that Gatorades don't taste as good as cold beers on a Friday night! For the last 4 months I have been running up to 150kms a week in order to get myself into the right physical and mental condition for this race.

With only 9 weeks to go please support me by donating what you can (no matter how small) to raise money for this charity. Every dollar/pound donated will go directly to Ovarian Cancer Action (my flights and gear have all been self-funded). I appreciate in advance any kind words of support as they will continue to buoy me on those 4am starts. Ouch!