I am once again running the Marathon des Sables - 250 km carrying 24 pounds in food, sleeping bag, and emergency supplies. This will be on the 4-14 April 2014.

To put it in perspective - a "normal" marathon is 26 miles or 42 km. So in effect this is a 6 marathons over 7 days. 

And this is in the desert - in 120 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius). With no showering - and sleeping on sand and stones.

It will be my fourth time participating in this event. 

I am on a strict clean eating diet, and have significantly cut down on sugar and refined food. I am training by running 125 km a week - around 20 km a day.

Why I am running for Macmillan Cancer Support

I am running to raise money for a wonderful charity - Macmillan Cancer Support - which improves the lives of people affected by cancer. 

1 in 3 people are affected by cancer. I personally experienced my 20-year-old cousin die in my arms of cancer in summer 2012. I felt powerless - saying to myself "how can I help him?"   

Now, in the last 12 months alone I have had 7 friends diagnosed with cancer. 

This disease truly is a  modern day epidemic. People think "it won't happen to me" and then they get the shock of their lives when it does - when they find out they or a close friend or relative has some form of cancer - and often it affects those who seem to lead extremely healthy lifestyles.

The research and support that MacMillan has done has made a huge difference in the quality of treatment and the survival statistics. 

But there is still no sign of a reduction in cancer diagnoses - so we need to do what we can to help. 

 For me the only answer I can find is running this marathon to try to raise more money and awareness of this illness that can strike anyone of us at any time where we never expect it. So WE all can help our closest by fighting cancer. 

How you can help

I am asking for your help - not to run alongside me in the marathon physically (I would never ask that!) - but to join many others in donating for this important cause, and to be with me in spirit.  Please donate whatever you can - it all helps and is much appreciated. 

The donations will go towards those who really need it - and you will help save lives.

I would like to thank all of you in advance for your kind donations.        

Love,

Tony