A BEVERLEY man is embarking on a challenge considered the ‘toughest footrace on earth’ by the Discovery Channel in aid of Beverley-based charity, FiND.
Jeremy Beesley, store director at Specsavers on Toll Gavel in Beverley, is preparing to take on formidable landscapes in the ‘Marathon des Sables’ in the Sahara Desert and is urging locals to support him. Jeremy will leave for Morocco on Thursday April 26to being the gruelling six-day adventure, which will see him running the equivalent of a marathon each day in one of the world’s most inhospitable climates.
Jeremy said: ‘FiND is a brilliant charity which operates in the Beverley and Hull region. I want to raise as much money as possible to support the efforts of the charity and make a difference to the lives of those they help every day. There will be sponsorship forms available in the Beverley Specsavers for anyone who wants to contribute towards my fundraising.
“The rules of the Marathon des Sables require participants to be self-sufficient; everything I need throughout the challenge will be carried on my back including all equipment and food. In preparation, I have been doing lots of training around Beverley and the surrounding countryside; I’m currently covering around 104km each week. The marathon is going to be a huge challenge, but all of the money raised is going to a fantastic cause.”
Staff at the Specsavers in the town will be showing their support for Jeremy by peddling on an exercise bike the distance he will be running in the desert. Taking place over the final two days of the challenge, Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April, customers will be able to donate towards the fundraising total for FiND.
FiND is a local charity which stands for ‘Families for Individual Needs and Dignity’. The charity aims to improve the lives of people with a range of learning disabilities and encourage those using their services to achieve a greater level of independence, along with allowing them to engage in stimulating activities to improve their skills.
The Marathon des Sables takes place in the Sahara Desert along a tough terrain. Started in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, the race totals a distance of 251km, which leads participants to run the equivalent of six marathons in six days. The race is now in its 28th consecutive year and continues to grow in popularity. Marathon rules require participants to be self-sufficient; runners take a 10kg backpack to carry with them containing everything, except water, which they need to survive. Runners are given a tent to sleep in at night, along with water – but this is rationed.
To support Jeremy in his run, visit the Beverley Specsavers store to donate.
For more information about FiND charity visit www.findcharity.org.uk