This April, I will be running six marathons in six days - 250 km across the Sahara Desert in what is dubbed the 'toughest footrace on Earth,' the Marathon des Sables.

I don't usually ask for donations, but I am putting myself through what will be the toughest event I have done in my life to try and raise awareness and support for an incredible new charity, Head Up. I have sadly now lost three mates to suicide and the veteran community is one of the most vulnerable. Head Up are trying to enact change and have already made such a tangible difference. They are currently fundraising to secure a permanent retreat to provide vital support and resources and I am determined to help them make this a reality. I could not be more passionate about this cause or this charity and I hope I can ask for your support.

The Why

One in three veterans with combat experience suffers from mental health disorders, with 17% experiencing PTSD. Alarmingly, 85% of those with serious issues never seek treatment. In my small military community, I’ve tragically lost three friends to suicide, including a close friend last year. Men's mental health is a critical issue across society; it’s the leading cause of death for those under 40, and the NHS struggles to keep pace.

The Who

Head Up is a dynamic new charity that is tackling this crisis head-on. Set up by a friend, Head Up is a charity which I have been actively supporting for the last year. They organise retreats for serving soldiers and veterans, providing a safe space for them to get help without the burden of it appearing on their permanent medical record. They are now fundraising to achieve a crucial milestone: securing their own retreat location, which requires an additional £1 million. The other point which I love about Head Up is that every single pound donated has an immediate, direct and tangible impact - it’s going to the right people and making a huge difference.

The What

I will run 250km in six days through the Sahara Desert—as part of the Marathon des Sables. I’ll be carrying all my own gear (food, sleeping bag, clothes etc), sleeping out in the dunes overnight while battling desert storms, sand dunes, and blistering 40-50°C heat. The worst part - I don't even like running…or sand. I know I will have some very low moments during the challenge, but every pound raised here will pick me up to take that next step. Please help me smash this target and make an amazing change for a Charity that is doing incredible work. Thank you for your support!