John Peter Whittaker, Corporate Development Manager at the Peel Group, is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by running the Marathon Des Sables in April to raise money for children’s medical research charity, Sparks.
The Marathon Des Sables is an ultra marathon race that takes place in one of the harshest environments on earth, the Sahara Desert. Competitors have to complete c.250km (155miles), the equivalent of six marathons over 6 days in temperatures ranging from 40-50◦C. In addition all competitors have to be self-sufficient carrying all their belongings and food for the entire race.
Blistered feet, loss of toe nails, muscle fatigue, burning, dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dizziness, vomiting and fainting are all common symptoms of taking part in the Marathon Des Sables and why it is widely regarded as the hardest footrace on Earth
In order to prepare for the challenge, John who is also running with a university friend Henry Williams, has completed a number of marathons and endurance races during the last twelve months including the Snowdonia Marathon, London Marathon, Windermere Marathon, Lakeland 50, Atlantic Challenge, New York Marathon, Anglesey Ultra and the Pilgrim Challenge.
John comments: “I feel very proud to be competing in the Marathon Des Sables and having the opportunity to raise money for a fantastic cause. I hope I can represent Sparks with the enthusiasm and commitment they deserve”.
Faye Matthews, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Sparks, comments “This is an incredible challenge which John is undertaking for Sparks. Sadly, in the UK, 1 in 30 babies are born with a medical condition which may affect them for life. Our goal is for every child to be born healthy and stay healthy and the wonderful funds raised by John will help us to continue our pioneering medical research and enable us to touch the lives of those children who need our help”.
The Peel Group has long been a supporter of Children’s Charities having previously raised £1.5 million for the Manchester Children’s hospital and are currently supporting the Sparks funded pre-eclampsia project at St Mary’s Hospital and The Hope Hospital Manchester. Peel have pledged to match the funds raised from Johns challenge, therefore, doubling any sponsorship John receives.
Find out more and sponsor John P Whittaker
To sponsor John P Whittaker visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/run-walk-crawl-drop or to find out more about the challenge www.run-walk-crawl-drop.com
To find out more about fundraising for Sparks, please contact Nia Williams at nia@sparks.org.uk or 07852 451 111.