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"The Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 251 km ultramarathon which is the equivalent of six regular marathons. The longest single stage is approx 91 km (57 miles) long. It is held every year in the Western Saharan desert. Competitors must carry all their food & equipment for the duration of the event and contend with sand-storms and 40+degree heat.  It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth..."

Having read the above, many people have simply asked "Why Bill....?". Why indeed! Well, perhaps it's because I like a challenge, perhaps it's the chance of raising money for a worthy cause, perhaps it's because I can(?) or, perhaps, simply it just seemed like a good idea at the time! No doubt when I hopefully finish the race in on the 15th April the answer will be apparent and I've had successfully finished something which has dominated my thoughts and efforts for a long time.

 

I originally entered the "MDS" some 3 years ago but a nasty motorcycling accident left me languishing in hospital for a while and it took almost a year before I tentatively pulled the training shoes back on and took a cautious trot around the block. Since then the miles have continued to notch up and if I put my mind to it, I can just about cover 100 miles in a big week. Sometimes my son Ted accompanies me on his bike, constantly chatting to his gasping dad, often it's the family dog "Albert" who trots beside me for mile after mile but mostly it's me, on my own at night, grinding out the miles, trying to forget how far I've still  to go and trying to forget the aches and pains!

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So please dig deep and donate now.

NB. Some donars have reported problems when trying to donate money. If this happens, please don't give up! Either phone the JustGiving helpline on 0845 0782063 or call me on 07971 885639. Many thanks Bill