News

Sahara run to boost our fund

25 March 2008

Grateful dad plans desert trek to say thank you

Blistering heat and miles of barren wilderness are not enough to deter Mark Armstrong from raising money for the Sunshine Fund. The 32-year-old is about to set off on one of the most gruelling and tough footraces in the world, which will see him cover 151 miles across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
The Marathon Des Sables is more than five times longer than a regular marathon and takes about six or seven days to complete. Its participants require a great amount of self-discipline and determination.
Mark has taken to the challenge in a bid to raise money for the Sunshine Fund, after his disabled daughter Jaide, six, was helped by the charity to have a chairlift installed.
Jaide suffers from several disorders, one of which causes her to grow fast and suffer walking difficulties.
Mark, an environmental consultant from Hunwick, County Durham, said: “I’m terrified about it. Sometimes I think I must be mad.
“It’s not just the heat to contend with – there’s the scorpions, camel spiders and snakes. I’m really apprehensive about the fact I’m not a natural runner as well.
“Jaide has been my inspiration though. She is so brave. Doing something like this is nothing in comparison to what she goes through.
“I had never heard of the Marathon Des Sables, but I had a friend who did it a while ago and he was by no means a typical runner. It just looked like a major adventure and something completely different to anything else. I chose to do it for the Sunshine Fund because it’s nice to give something back to them after they helped out Jaide.
“It’s nice to know the money could be used for someone else who could benefit like Jaide did.
Mark, who lives with wife Julie, has prepared for his adventure with months of physical training and has had a massive amount of support, even from people he has never met.
Not only does he have to endure unbearable heat and rough terrain, but Mark has to carry everything he needs on his back, including a sleeping bag, food, a medical kit and clothes.
Water is also rationed at various stop-off points.
He has raised more than £2,500 so far, as word-of-mouth has spread and more and more people are putting their hands in their pockets to get behind Mark on his brave venture. He couldn’t be more thrilled with the response.
“Everyone has been fantastic, the response has been great,” said Mark, who also has a younger daughter, Ruby, two.
“Jaide keeps asking me when I’m off on my run too, so she knows what I’m doing.”
Jo Harris, Sunshine Fund manager, said: “It’s remarkable what Mark is doing for the Sunshine Fund. He is incredibly brave and we wish him the very best.
“It is people like Mark that keep the Sunshine Fund going and enable us to continue our vital work.”
Mark jets off to Morocco to begin his trip this Thursday. If you would like to sponsor him, log on to www.justgiving.com/ mds2008


Back