Jeremy Maddocks runs six marathons in 6 days across blistering heat of the Sahara desert Marathon des Sables (MDS) to raise money for Hell's Kitchen Ukraine supported by The Worshipful Company of Carmen (UK registered Charity).

I wish to share an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. On 4th April 2025, I will embark on the Marathon des Sables https://www.marathondessables.com/mds-legendary, often called the toughest footrace on Earth: a 156 mile (250 km) ultra-marathon across the Sahara Desert, spread over six grueling days. Every blistered step I take will be dedicated to raising funds for Hell’s Kitchen, an awe-inspiring grassroots organisation in Kharkiv.

What makes the Marathon des Sables so demanding? Imagine running the equivalent of six marathons in extreme desert conditions, carrying all your food and supplies on your back (20lbs / 9Kg). Temperatures soar to 120°F (50°C) during the day and plummet at night, with participants facing blistering sandstorms, endless dunes, and rugged terrain. The race is entirely self-sufficient—water is rationed, and participants sleep in their tents under the open sky. Every step requires endurance, determination, and resilience, making this challenge as much a test of mental fortitude as physical strength.

I have never done the MDS, before. I started training in May 2024, and the regime is gruelling. Nearly every day I must go out in all weather running 5 miles, 10 miles, 16, 24 and finally, 30 miles per day. Carrying increasing loads and then doing more on sand and heat training. Testing equipment, different shoes, socks, gaiters and freeze-dried, high energy food to be ready for the event. I am not sure if the training or the race is the hardest part especially at age 59. But I am determined to complete it.

Why endure this? To support Hell’s Kitchen https://hellskitchenukraine.org/, an incredible force for good in a city ravaged by war.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, two courageous Kharkiv residents, Luida and Egor, put their lives on hold to establish Hell’s Kitchen. Under constant threat of attack, they began cooking hot meals for their neighbours. These meals quickly became lifelines for people whose access to food was perilously limited.

Today, over two years later, Hell’s Kitchen remains an unwavering beacon of hope. They produce more than 1,000 meals and bake thousands of loaves of bread daily, ensuring that the people of Kharkiv—many of whom have lost everything—receive not only food but dignity and care. But Hell’s Kitchen is so much more than a food kitchen; it’s a lifeline for their community. It distributes medical supplies, hygiene products, and clothing, running tirelessly through missile strikes, ever present lethal drones, blackouts, and snowstorms. What I endure in the desert for 6 days is nothing compared with what those brave people suffer every day.

For me, this cause is deeply personal. Not only did I spend 15 years of my working life in the former Soviet Union and Ukraine where I have many good friends but my son volunteered with Hell’s Kitchen in November 2023 and again in August 2024, witnessing first hand the relentless dedication of its volunteers. He saw their resolve, their compassion, and the immense difference they make every single day.

I am asking for your support in this mission. Every penny raised will directly aid Hell’s Kitchen in sustaining their extraordinary work. Through their partnership with the UK-registered charity The Worshipful Company of Carmen https://thecarmen.co.uk/taras-ukraine/, donations are tax-exempt and eligible for UK Gift Aid, maximizing the impact of every contribution.

Your generosity won’t just fuel me through the burning sands of the Sahara—it will send an unshakable message of solidarity to the people of Kharkiv and ensure that Hell’s Kitchen can continue to stand strong in the face of unimaginable adversity.

If you would like to donate by credit / debit card, please use the "Give Now" button on this page, my Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/jeremy-maddocks-hellskitchen or in the UK send a text

To donate £1, text HELLSK to 70201

To donate £3, text HELLSK to 70331

To donate £5, text HELLSK to 70970

To donate £10, text HELLSK to 70191

Fundraising, payments and donations will be processed and administered by the National Funding Scheme (Charity No: 1149800), operating as DONATE. Texts will be charged at your standard network rate. For Terms & Conditions, see www.easydonate.org

Thank you for supporting this vital cause and for helping us provide hope and sustenance to those who need it most. Слава Україні! Slava Ukraini

(If you want to contact me to learn more; telephone +44 7881 918132, e-mail jermy.maddocks@gmail.com , facebook facebook.com/jeremy.maddocks.1 , Instagram instagram.com/jeremymaddocks X https://twitter.com/jeremymaddocks , Linked-In http://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-maddocks-5b1aa0 )