My message
This year I am tackling the ultimate challenge in physical and mental endurance that will see me running the infamous Marathon des Sables, also helpfully known as the 'toughest footrace on earth'.
For the race I will join just 255 other British competitors as we run 150 miles across the Sahara desert in just six days. The organisers clearly don't think the inhospitable terrain, oodles of sand and the searing heat is enough for us runners to contend with, so we also have to be self-sufficient for the week carrying all our own provisions, clothing and water rations each day.
Fortunately, I'm doing this for a very good cause, raising money for rare kidney disease campaign Action For Alport's.
Alport's Syndrome is a rare genetic kidney disease that causes deafness and renal failure in those it affects, usually from a young age. It starts to take action in boys from the age of 8 onwards with the onset of deafness and it is usual for a male to need a kidney transplant before they are 20.
I am hoping to help towards raising a sum of £50,000 for the cause so that we can kick off research looking into ways of easing the suffering of those affected. There is currently no funding at all for Alport's. This is it and this is why I am running the Marathon des Sables for this cause, as I feel we can make a real difference to people's lives. I hope you can help me in reaching this not insurmountable target, so we can quickly start the search for that breakthrough
Please help me raise vital funds Alport's so we can get the research going and finally make some progress in tackling this devastating condition.
There are several ways you can help make a difference either by dropping me an email to pledge a cheque or cash or sponsoring me online.
If you are a UK tax payer, please remember to Gift Aid your contribution so Action For Alport's can claim 25% extra on top of your donation. This makes a big difference to the charity's work.
Thanks so much for your generosity and I hope to thank you with a successful return from the Sahara in April.
Kidney Research UK is the leading UK charity funding research that focuses on kidney disease. Important scientific breakthroughs are being made all the time, but these can only be sustained with your help.
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