Early in 2012 I am running the Sables Marathon (MdS). This is said to be the hardest footrace on the planet. It incorporates six stages over six days covering an estimated distance of 150 miles. It takes place in the Sahara desert in Morocco. From now until then I will be raising money to donate to Help for Heroes. The cost of the expedition will be absorbed by myself, as my contribution to H4H. I have a Just Giving page where you can donate money directly to the charities I am participating in this race for. If you feel you are able to contribute to the expedition itself and thereby alleviating some of the substantial financial input I am providing you can do so from this site. Contributions towards the expedition will go towards the race fee for the MdS.

Donate to Help for Heroes at Just Giving

So who are Help for Heroes and what do they do?

H4H is a charity dedicated to wounded service men and women across all three services. They have raised a huge amount of money which has gone directly to the aid of those who have been wounded serving the United Kingdom. The charity was principally established by Bryn Parry and his wife, Emma. Since its conception H4H has done wonderful work both in direct relations with the Armed Forces and through other charities. In the current global climate, H4H needs your money more than ever ever if it is to continue it's fantastic work. Please visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk/whoarewe.html to find out more about the activities H4H are involved with.

The 2012 Sables Marathon is a long way off, but I obviously need to do some severe training if I am to achieve my goal of completing the Sahara desert Marathon for Help For Heroes. Working backwards from 2012 I have split the time into blocks of 6 months, every six months I will participate in an event to firstly raise money and secondly prepare me for the ultramarathon. Including the MdS and the 4-5 build-up events I want to raise in excess of £10,000 for Help For Heroes.

The events I propose to do will be roughly as follows:

Oct/Nov 2009 Half Marathon (Leicester Half Marathon 2009 Sunday 11 October) COMPLETED

Apr/May 2010 Marathon (Brathay, Windermere Marathon 2010 Sunday 16 May) CONFIRMED

July 2010 Ultra-Marathon (Lakeland 50 Ulta-Marathon 50 miles Saturday 24th July) CONFIRMED

Apr/May 2011 Ultra-Marathon in excess of 40 miles (TBC)

Oct/Nov 2011 Hard Marathon (TBC)

2012 Marathon des Sables

You probably think I am crazy, truth is I probably am! The Sables Marathon is ran by around 800 competitors from all over the world each year and around 80% of those complete the race. It is possible, if you are prepared; hopefully I will be by then. You will agree there is no better cause than Help for Heroes, I have served in Iraq and have witnessed the effect that war can have on our servicemen. More than anything this event is about presenting the opportunity for everyone to thank our soldiers and show their collective thanks for the sacrifices that our men and women have made in our names.

You can donate as much or as little as you like; in one go or per event that I undertake, Anything you can give is most appreciated. For more specifics on the things that I am doing keep up to date with the news and blog pages. If you feel you are able to help in any capacity please contact me via the contacts page.

Once again thank you for taking the time to visit my web page.

Alec Maxfield