I am running the Marathon des Sables this year in memory of two friends Tom ap Rhys Pryce and Smudge Finer. I am raising money for two charities: Tom's Trust and MIND (two charities which respectively support their memories).  I am unable to create one 'Justgiving' page for both charities.  If you would like to split your sponsorship you will need to visit both pages. This is Tom's fundraising page. Click here for Smudge's.

Whilst taking part and completing this endurance race is a personal goal of mine, it is also a great opportunity to remember both of them and, for those of you who did not know them, to understand how important they are to those who love them.

You can find out more about the charities by clicking on these links.

http://www.tomaprhyspryce.com/

http://www.mind.org.uk/

The Marathon de Sables is an extreme ultramarathon which takes place in the southern Moroccan desert each year at the beginning of April. Participants run 5.5 marathons over 6 days with the longest stage being 52 miles. This stage starts with a 1000m ascent and there are at least 10 miles of continuous sand dunes. The aim is to try and finish this stage in a day because if you don't you must take a nap in the desert and finish it the following day.

Luckily I will have my brother Rickystickydoodar and friend Major Fakey to keep me company.

A few more things you may want to know about the race is that we have to sleep in tents and carry all our kit and food with us for the 6 days. Thankfully they top us up with water each day. If you want to read more about it click here http://www.saharamarathon.co.uk/