Diagnosed with an indiscriminate and terminal illness called IPF in 2012, my Dad was close to death by Christmas 2015.

With a lung function reduced to 30%, basic walking and talking became almost impossible. He didn’t whinge. Not once did I hear him utter a word of complaint.

In Feb 2016, he was blessed to receive a double lung transplant. The gift of life from a stranger who had paid the ultimate cost – delivered by an NHS hospital team who really are nothing short of incredible.

My father and the amazing Harefield hospital will be my ‘WHY’ as I battle to complete the arduous Marathon des Sables.

For 'The Toughest Footrace on Earth', I will have to cover over 250km in just six days - carrying all my food and equipment to survive the harsh desert conditions.

The race is brutal and challenges competitors on many fronts. The 'long stage' is a double marathon. The terrain is unforgiving sand and the temperature often reaches 50 degrees.

When it feels impossible to carry on putting one foot in front of the other; when I am hurting and my body is crying out for me to stop; I shall think of those who find every day a struggle to get up, to walk, just to breathe. I shall think of the help, hope and extended lives that the money I raise will give to other families like ours who have had an extra 8 precious years with a husband, a Dad, and a Grandad.

I’d be so grateful if you’d sponsor me – even a small amount. It will all go to buying specialist equipment that I can personally attest makes a massive difference !

If you want to read more about the charity please click https://www.rbhcharity.org