Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

The Marathon des Sables is often described as the hardest foot race on earth, taking place across seven gruelling days in the Sahara. Competitors complete 270km over changing terrain from hard baked salt flats to shifting sand dunes, with temperatures sometime reaching 40°C carrying everything they need for the week on their backs. It is a test of endurance, self-discipline and sheer determination.

Following an unsuccessful attempt in 2023, this has been a monkey on my back ever since. I will be lining up on the start line on Sunday 5 April, determined to make it to the finish line this year. With a similar event in Jordan under my belt, months of preparation with one of the UK's leading coaches and a far better understanding of what the event demands, I am ready as I can be for MDS 2026.

I will be raising funds for a local Andover charity that does amazing work with disadvantaged young people in Andover, helping them build trust, confidence and resilience to find a better path through life. Having visited the charity to see the work they do, I am in total admiration of the difference they make to so many young people. Please help me raise funds for this fantastic cause, every penny will help Kids On Track change another life for the better.

Kids On Track

Kids on Track provides activity camps during the holidays, after school clubs, trips and visits, educational workshops and mentoring opportunities, providing children from disadvantaged areas of Andover opportunities they might never experience.

Children join our Junior Programme from the age of 9 and transition through to our Senior Programme at 13 and are with us until they are 16. This long term approach enables us to have a real impact through building trust, resilience and confidence. 95% of the children believe this is exactly what Kids on Track has done for them.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

This page has been set up by Sharon Egremont on behalf of Patrick Stannah.