checkout my photos here - https://www.mds2026seanflood.co.uk/

At a time in life when perhaps I should be thinking of retiring and putting my feet up, in April I will be taking on one of the toughest endurance events on the planet: the Marathon des Sables Legendary, often called “the toughest footrace on Earth.”

Over six stages I will attempt to cross approximately 270 km of the Sahara Desert, facing extreme heat, sand dunes and rocky terrain — while carrying everything I need for the week on my back.

I’m doing this to raise £5,000 for The Prostate Project, a local charity in Guildford that supports prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

The charity is run almost entirely by volunteers and keeps administration costs below 5%, meaning nearly every pound donated goes directly to where it is needed most.

Why This Challenge Matters to Me

Running was a huge part of my life when I was younger and I competed regularly.

However, a serious accident changed that. I suffered multiple injuries including compound fractures, broken legs, arms, ribs and a head injury. After that, competitive running was no longer possible.

That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human body and how fortunate we are simply to be able to move.

More recently I’ve been told there is no cartilage left in my knees, along with osteoarthritis, and that they will likely need replacing in the next few years so I thought I had better get the most out of them!

The Challenge

The race takes place over six stages, typically covering:

• Stage 1 ~ 33 km

• Stage 2 ~ 40 km

• Stage 3 ~ 34 km

• Stage 4 ~ The Long Day (100 km)

• Stage 5 ~ 42 km

• Stage 6 ~ 21 km

Competitors must be completely self-sufficient, carrying all their food and equipment for the week in a backpack.

The only thing provided by the organisers is water.

Find out more here: https://marathondessables.com/en/event/mds-legendary-2026

Why The Prostate Project

Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men, and early diagnosis can save lives.

The Prostate Project supports vital work including diagnosis, treatment, research and patient support, helping give men a better chance of beating prostate cancer. Only 5% of donations is for overheads, 95% goes directly to the charity.

https://prostate-project.org.uk/

How You Can Help

My goal is to raise £5,000 for this important cause.

If you are able to support the challenge, any donation — large or small — will make a real difference.

Knowing that people are supporting both the challenge and the cause will be a huge motivation when the desert gets tough.

Thank you for helping me take on 270 km across the Sahara Desert — one step at a time!