In April 2025 I am taking part in The MARATHON DES SABLES The Legendary in the Southern Moroccan Sahara.

The total distance to be covered in the week is around 250 kilometres, in 6 stages, one of which is overnight around 80-90km. Distance may vary according to terrain and gradient. The climate can be brutal with soaring temperatures and sand storms to contend with.

Training is tough, up at 4am, out at 5 back by 7 has been a mantra at times. Am looking forward to some training in Wales in the sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr and I’ve found the bridle paths of Hyde Park.

The MARATHON DES SABLES The Legendary is self-sufficient in food and all equipment apart from water and a Berber tent which I’ll share with 7 others. For the duration of the adventure, I will have to carry everything (including loo roll, signalling mirror and sleeping mat ..but no room for waterproof mascara) having weighed the bag after food shopping I can confirm the minimum weight it will be (plus the water bottles) is 8 pints of milk, a few tins of beans and tuna… .

I first became aware of FBB and the work they do when my friend Miranda became involved after her son, Freddie was killed in an accident when he was 19 years old when travelling in Bolivia. Freddie was passionate about football and sport and she channeled her energies into FBB.

Being aware of FBB and the work they do absolutely blows me away. Having a trusted adult to confide in and be there for a young person has such an impact.

The FBB Schools programme includes football-themed learning in the classroom and on the pitch using our FBB Curriculum, as well as reward trips, one to one counselling and parents evening.

The aims include re-engaging students with learning and wider school life, development of emotional regulation skills whilst improving self-confidence.

In the current funding climate, schools are increasingly struggling to pay the full cost of the programme.FBB works with young people who are passionate about football but disengaged at school Our mission is to support them through school, enabling them to finish with the skills and grades they need to successfully transition into adulthood. We achieve this through long-term, intensive support, centred on building trusted relationships and harnessing their passions, both in and out of the classroom, raising their aspirations and self awareness.