Thank you for taking the time to consider our ask to support the Coldstream Guard's Charity, as CSM Parkes and I prepare to undertake the Marathon Des Sables 2025.

The Marathon des Sables is a well-known ultra-marathon race held annually in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. It is considered one of the toughest foot races in the world, covering a distance of approximately 250 kilometers (156 miles) over the course of six days. Participants must be self-sufficient and carry all their food and equipment with them during the race. The extreme heat, rough terrain, and challenging conditions make it a gruelling test of endurance and mental toughness.

CSM James Parkes, as seen in the first picture on this page, is an avid endurance athlete - regularly taking part in events from Ironmans to Triathlons.

On the other hand, I (Lt Isambard Barten) have never run over a half-marathon before - leaving a significant amount of unknown to be discovered in April...

What binds us together is serving in The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards together. CSM James Parkes has served all over the world with the Regiment, with notable service including Operational Tours of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Our Regimental Charity works tirelessly to support serving and retired service personnel, with work ranging from keeping Regimental Associations alive and providing a support network for veterans and their families all over the country, to providing support for our most wounded veterans as they forge lives outside of the Armed Forces.

Any and all support would be hugely appreciated, with our efforts a small drop in the Ocean for what the Regimental Charity needs and deserves to carry on the exceptional support it provides.