Marks Ultra Desert Torture!

Hi and thanks for visiting my fundraising page!

For those of you who generously donated last year (for my 57 mile non stop ultra marathon) - you'll be pleased to know that this year I've properly lost my marbles and decided to up the ante by competing in the Marathon Des Sables (reputed to be the toughest footrace on earth).

I've no idea if I'm still in the midst of my midlife crisis or if I just like the idea of extreme physical pain, mixed with mental torture - all dished out in the comfort of 120 degree heat.! Come mid April I'll know the answer.

The Marathon Des Sables is a pretty much self sufficient 6 day ultra-marathon held in the southern Sahara over a course of approx. 156 (254km) miles. Which is the equivalent of running from London to Dover, deciding not to go to France after all and running back again. In 120 degree heat. With a full backpack on (so carrying all my food, my bed etc. etc.!)

I'll be running the equivalent of a marathon each day - although the longest single stage in the event is circa. 55 miles (91km). Hopefully this isn't going to kill me....but we'll have to see.

I plan to put my lunacy to some good use though and will therefore raise some money for a wonderful cause!

That cause is The Stable Family Home Trust (AKA The Stables) based in Bisterne, Hampshire (my wife Fiona works for them). They're not a well known charitable trust BUT they provide a wide range of services to people with learning disabilities and their families: supporting lives in residential homes, offering personal development programmes, domiciliary support, and supported living. In a nutshell, they do some truly brilliant stuff for the people they support and are well worthy of our support.

So, if you like the thought of me in the desert, in 120 degree heat, running with a 10kg backpack - that's absolutely fine. But in exchange please sponsor me a bit of cash for a charitable trust that's close to my heart.

Thank you so much, Mark.