This April, I’m taking on the toughest race of my life: the Marathon Des Sables. It’s a 270km / 167 miles, six-day journey across the Sahara Desert where I’ll have to carry everything I need to survive on my back apart from water. The race begins on April 5th and ends on the 11th.

While I’m a regular long-distance runner, this challenge is about more than just endurance. I am using it to raise money for Petals, the pregnancy and baby loss charity, for a cause that is deeply personal to our team at JLL.

Inspired by our colleague Mike Allan and his partner Gemma, who in 2023, after losing their first baby at 18 weeks gestation, received crucial counselling from Petals through their darkest time

In 2024, their son, Ethan, was born. He bravely fought through major surgeries and beat life-threatening infections including sepsis, but the life-saving antibiotics were so strong they caused irreversible kidney damage. Tragically, Mike and Gemma had to make the impossible decision to extubate their son and allow him to die. They were again the recipient of counselling from Petals. To this day their counsellor still supports them both.

Petals provide free, essential counselling to help parents who experience loss navigate their grief. Mike openly shares that he wouldn’t be the person he is now without their support.

Inspired by their courage, I want to ensure no family has to face this journey without support.

This is a 100% self-funded expedition. Every penny you donate goes directly to Petals.

You can follow my live progress, including tracking and photos, on @derricke17 or Strava once the race starts.