THE 20th MARATHON DES SABLES

The Marathon des Sables has been described as the "world's toughest endurance event."  I wanted to know just how hard this really was and decided to enter the 20th edition of the race with my good friend Ben Williams. We had both heard the horror stories of people getting lost in sand storms, running out of water and collapsing due to dehydration, let alone the soles of people feet pealing of as they removed their socks.

Undeterred Ben and myself set out across the Sahara desert on this 152 miles adventure that at times tested us to our very limits. Thankfully we both made it, and finished 49th and 68th respectively out of a field of 800 starters, finishing as the 3rd and 4th British competitors.

We were both running for the same charity "Facing Africa" and thanks to your generosity and support managed to raised  £10,000. This money went directly to African children who have been suffering for the debilitating disease NOMA. We would both like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help in making these children's lives a little easier.