Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Please dig deep and sponsor me online.

I am undertaking the biggest challenge of my life on behalf of ‘The Construction Youth Trust’! So, what is the challenge, I hear you ask?  Well, from the 7^th to the 17^th April this year, I will be taking part in the 21^st Marathon des Sables.

For those that haven’t heard of it the MdS, or “the toughest footrace on earth”, is a 243 km race across the Sahara Desert, made up of 6 legs (25, 34, 38, 82, 42 and 22 kms) – the equivalent to five and a half marathons! In addition to the running, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (i.e. food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc.)

 Water is rationed and handed out at the end of each checkpoint and the proper management of this supply is vital as the mid-day temperatures can soar up to 120F while the course takes runners over uneven rocky, stony ground, with 15 - 20% of the distance in sand dunes and sand storms are common! It is not an exaggeration to say that mental stamina constitutes 50% of whether a runner can make it or not.

So now that I have briefly outlined why I am a lunatic, why the ‘Construction Youth Trust’?

As a construction professional I know that one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today is the availability of trained people. Therefore, we need to provide the right advice, guidance and support to our youth, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who wish to pursue a career in construction, and this is the function of the Construction Youth Trust.

I have worked in this industry for most of my adult life which is why I decided to support the Construction Youth Trust as my way of providing other people with the opportunity to work in our exciting, challenging and rewarding industry.  If you wish to learn more about the Construction Youth Trust please log on to www.constructionyouth.org.uk

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Construction Industry Trust For Youth will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.