In April 2024 James Cutter and Sam Pougatch will attempt to complete the Marathon Des Sables to raise money for The D.A.M Foundation.

What is the Marathon Des Sables?

The MDS is indisputably the toughest footrace on Earth. This ultramarathon covers a distance of 252km (156miles) and takes place in the Sahara Desert. It covers a distance of approximately six regular marathons in temperatures that can reach as high as 50 degrees. Comprised over six stages it takes seven days to complete. Participants are required to be self-sufficient which means carrying your own food and equipment for the duration of this multi-stage ultramarathon. Add in the heat and it is no wonder the completion rate is around 50%.

What is the Dave Mackenzie Foundation?

In honour of David Alexander Mackenzie, who went to the same school as James and Sam. The D.A.M Foundation was set up in David's memory to provide defibrillators for grassroots sports clubs round the country. To date, the foundation has equipped 22 sports clubs with portable defibrillators, with a particular focus on youth.

600 people under the age of 35 die from sudden cardiac arrest within the UK each year. Research has shown that deploying a defibrillator within 3-5 minutes of collapse increases survival rate by up to 70%.

The D.A.M partners with the charity London Hearts to give access to the portable defibrillator's.

Each Defib is around £800. We would like to enough money for 10.

Any donations towards this great charity will be greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small, and will be a huge motivator for James and Sam when they are battling with the elements thrown at them....sandstorms, heat, blisters, double marathon...

Thank you in advance, Jim and Poug x