Fundraiser tackles desert marathon TWICE for military patients

(Pictured: Gavin Sandford)

Gavin Sandford, a 43-year-old theatre practitioner, has already shown the world that he is unafraid of embarking upon extreme challenges in the name of fundraising. In 2014, Gavin ran 45 marathons in 45 days, while pushing a barrel filled with donations, covering a total distance of 1,200 miles across the UK coastline.

Following this incredible feat, Gavin is now going one step further and, in April 2016, will be attempting a world first.

Gavin plans to run the infamous Marathon Des Sables; the equivalent of five and a half marathons in five or six days across the Sahara desert.

Not only has Gavin decided to tackle the race, set in the harsh landscape of the Sahara desert, but he has also decided to do the race not once, but TWICE, back-to-back. If he manages this incredible challenge, Gavin will be the first to have ever completed such a feat.

Regarding the challenge he has set for himself, Gavin stated: “I have decided to attempt this double Marathon Des Sables Challenge to hopefully inspire others as to what is possible. The ‘I Can And I Will’ Spirit.”

Gavin has a fundraising goal of £70,000, which will be split between QEHB Charity’s Fisher House , Blesma, and the Team Margot Foundation.

Mike Hammond, Chief Executive at QEHB Charity, said: “Gavin is an incredible fundraiser. The charity team is in awe of his motivation and passion for these worthy causes. On behalf of QEHB Charity, I want to thank Gavin for his hard work thus far, and wish him the very best of luck for April; we hope you make that world first!”

To find out more about Gavin’s fundraising, click here.