About the Marathon Des Sables

The Marathon des Sables (MdS) is a 6 day / 143 mile endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco taking place from 29 March to 04 April 2009.

During this time I will be largely self sufficient and have to carry all water, food, cooking equipment and survival equipment for the six days, over sand dunes and in temperatures ranging from 0° at night to 50° Celsius in the day.

Why I'm running the Marathon des Sables

I am from Ireland and currently live and work as a solicitor in Newcastle upon Tyne.

I have always been a sporting enthusiast and after taking part in numerous marathons and adventure races, I decided to face the ultimate challenge of the Marathon Des Sables.

I see the Marathon des Sables as being the greatest personal challenge. The race is world renowned as one of the most challenging endurance races with competitors battling against the extreme conditions of the desert.

In completing the 24th Marathon Des Sables, I hope to raise money for what I see to be a very worthwhile charity, Facing Africa Registered Charity Number 1072505. This charity has close links with the race and I fully support the work they undertake for victims of the disease Noma.

Noma (cancrum oris) is an acute and ravaging gangrenous infection affecting the face. The victims of Noma are mainly children under the age of 6, caught in extreme poverty and chronic malnutrition. The World Health Organisation has estimated that 140,000 new cases of Noma occur each year with a 10% survive rate.

I have been moved by the testimonies and the pictures of those affected by Noma and the work this charity undertakes. I am excited by the prospect of not only raising money but also the profile of this important charity. I am humbled by the courage and resilience of those who experience this horrible disease.

If you would like to help me raise funds for Facing Africa, please click here to open my online donations page.

Links

• www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
• www.facingafrica.org - Helping to cure and prevent NOMA
• www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
• www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)