In April 2014 I will join 1000+ competitors to race across the Southern Sahara, competing in the Marathon des Sables. The race covers over 232 kilometres over 6 days. Participants carry their own food and clothing for 6 days - and we're given water enroute. It's a grueling and also life changing experience, one which I decided to undertake and raise money for the UK Charity Mind

Mind UK provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

"...1 in 4 British adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any one year, and 1 in 6 experiences this at any given time.  Women are more likely to have been treated for a mental health problem than men. About 10% of children have a mental health problem at any one time..."

People with a mental illness can be among the most disadvantaged in society, and many confront barriers as a direct result of their illness. Cognitive and communication impairments may pose challenges, while stigma and discriminatory attitudes can be worse than the illness itself.

And when someone in your family suffers from a mental health problem, it brings it home very quickly - this is an experience that has touched my life more than once.

I've been training for the race for over a year, it's an extremely demanding regime, but one which is very worth it and drives me to raise awareness of an awesome organisation.

As part of the race I'm aiming to record my entire journey across the Sahara using lightweight camera taking a time lapse view of my world. Compiling the images into a short documentary of the experience, sights, shimmering endless miles of dry sand, random nomads and their crazy camels.

Donate as much as you can afford, everything helps.

Thanks, Ande :)