The mighty Marathon Des Sables

At Headway we are no stranger to physical hardship – some of the effects of brain injury on our members mean they no longer have any movement in one side of their body, or must live with debilitating head pain, but this week we have fundraisers who will push their bodies to their utmost limits.

Brian Bougourd and John Bell from Schroders CI Ltd are taking on the mighty Marathon des Sables (MDS), in the Moroccan Sahara. Starting on 4 April the race is a gruelling multi-stage footrace that covers approximately 250km of formidable terrain over the course of a week. That’s the equivalent of five-and-a-half marathons – all in blazing desert conditions.

Days 1 to 3 have average distances of 35 kilometres but Day 4 will demand the runners to cover more than 80 kilometres through the day and into the night. Day 5 is a ‘rest’ day and then Days 6 and 7 are 42km and 21k respectively.

If that wasn’t gruelling enough, the event is a self-sufficient race meaning that they must carry everything they need for the week in their packs. So aside from the regular water stations every 10km’s or so, they must carry all their food, sleeping bags, medical kits and compulsory items for the entire week on their backs.

The adventurous pair are raising money for Headway as well as Children with Cancer UK.

Headway could not keep going without the generous support of the local community so we are incredibly grateful to this duo for their efforts. Completing the Marathon Des Sables is a momentous achievement. We wish them all the luck in the world and hope they come through the experience in one piece!

If you would like to donate please go to: