The Challenge I’ve Been Putting Off for 20 Years… Until Now!!

Next year, I turn 40.

Instead of throwing myself a party or drowning my sorrows with pints of Guinness. I chose sunburn and sand. The challenge I’ve talked about for two decades - running the Marathon des Sables! Midlife crisis? Maybe - but this one’s for Little Sam.

For those of you who don’t know…

It’s a 250km ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert. 6 days. In brutal heat. On blistered feet. Carrying everything I need on my back. They call it the toughest footrace on Earth - and I’m finally ready for it.

Why now? Because the race turns 40 next April too. And because, after five knee surgeries and years of saying "maybe next year", I’ve run out of excuses. More importantly, I’ve found my reason.

His name is Sam, Little Sam.

He’s 13, cheeky, brave, and one of the strongest kids that I have ever had the privilege of meeting. For the past three years, I’ve had the honour of treating him as his massage therapist.

Sam lives with Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) - a rare and devastating genetic condition that slowly attacks the brain and nervous system.

There’s no cure - it’s every bit as cruel as it sounds.

Through Sam, I’ve seen the reality of ALD - and the courage it demands. That’s why I’m running for Alex TLC, the UK’s leading charity supporting children and families affected by leukodystrophies.

Every penny raised will help fund vital research, support services, and awareness - so families like Sam’s don’t face their journey alone.

If you’ve ever said "one day", or believe in showing up when it matters - now IS that day.

Please donate whatever you can.

This run is for Little Sam.

This run is for every family facing ALD.

And this run is 20 years overdue!