A HALE man is all set to embark on six day trek across the Sahara desert in an event widely considered the world’s toughest foot race.
Architect Jon Lingard will cover 156 miles – the equivalent of five and a half marathons – in the gruelling Marathon des Sables.
Searing heat and sandstorms stand in the path of the 40-year-old, who says completing the notorious challenge is worth the effort to raise money for St Ann's Hospice – where his grandfather was a patient before he died from cancer in 2006.
Flying out from Gatwick on Good Friday, Jon will arrive in the south of Morrocco before being driven into the desert.
“The rules require you to be self-sufficient, to carry with you on your back everything except water that you need to survive,” explained Jon.
“You are given a place in a tent to sleep at night, but any other equipment and food must be carried.”
Jon has been training for the past five months to prepare for the task ahead.
To sponsor him, visit virginmoneygiving.com/JonathanLingard
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