Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In April 2015 I am taking part in the Marathon des Sables in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research;  my aim is to raise £10000 to support the amazing work they do. We will all know someone affected by cancer; in my family I have lost my grandfather and father and my wife has lost her father and sister. Please help me support the research that will hopefully lead to the prevention of this disease.

The Marathon des Sables is a gruelling six-day multi marathon challenge in one of the world's most inhospitable climates - the Sahara desert. The rules require you to be self-sufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive. You are given a place in an open tent to sleep at night, but any other equipment and food must be carried.

For a further insight into the MdS please visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s_JPUxtcRA

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Update: Day 1 - Sunday 5th April

First day 35deg, 38 km , small dunes and some hills, 1400 runners started at 09;30 to the sound of ACDC "highway to  hell " with helicopters flying low filming the start.  The whole day was running into a headwind which gave relif from the temperature, feet are in goodshape. we have agreat tent number 114; Alex 37, Henry 25, Ben 41, Sam 25. Great banter and all helping eachother,all finishedtoday in good shape, we have a famous neighbour in tent 113; Sir Ranulph Feinnes !. 

There are some outstandng efforts by others; a team carrying disabled youngsters in converted wheelchairs, blind runners guided by others.

Finished running 13:15hrs, position 44.

Tomorrow 32km, some big climbs.

2nd Update: Monday 6th April

Tough day today, 31km 45deg, very little wind,; not much sleep lastnight as the tent collapsed in high winds so we had to sort that out at 2am. Running long stretches on rocky ground before 3 long climbs, stunning panoramic views.. Ropes were used to help on the last climb. All the tent are still in good shape, starting to get a few blisters.

Finished today 47, overall position 44.

38km tomorrow, lots of sand !!!

3rd Update: Tuesday 7th April

Today was really hot 51deg and little wind, the course was mostly flat running across stony ground and long stretches of salt flats, with mountains as a background, we had steep climb over a mountain pass which was really tough.

All the guys in the tent are doing really well inside top 300, Henry suffered Diahhrrea and vomiting last night so did really well today.

I have a groin strain so can just about walk on the flat, uphills and soft sand are very hard which made today very tough and will now have to walk the rest of the race course.

Tomorrow is the long stage 91 km, everyone is apprehensive........we have 36hrs to complete this stage.

The camaraderie out on the stage and in camp is fantastic.

Finished today stage  in about 7 hrs. 

4th Update: Thursday 9th April

another tough day yesterday 91km in50 deg heat the race is really living up to its reputation; vast landscapes steep mountian passes.and endless, endless miles to cover :-)the  ground was really good going hardpacked with small sections of dunes and soft sand.Iteamed up with Sam from our tent who has a leg injury and we walkedhard for17hrs head down and kept going 7 check points in total.stopping at CP6 for10m of food and stretch, the last 6km to the Bivouac in deep soft sand.  Today we are allin goodshape still , Henry had a storming day and camein 150, The rest of us are all 200-250 placed, but utterley exhausted....Thanks toeveryone sending messgs of support itis a such a boost and something that we all really look forward to. 

Marathon tomoro

Position 206

5th Update: Friday 10th April

Finished today marathon stage,very very tired .....wonderful feeling approaching the finish which was hidden in a dip, when ithought we had much further to go,, everyone in the tent had  a great day and we all finihed inthe top 250.

Last night everyone came out to cheer in the last finishers after 36hrsof running!!

Tomorrow is the charity  stage through the  big sand dunes 11km walking..

tankyou for all your support