Profile
Originating as a Brummie, I now live in Newquay, Cornwall, with my Hubby. No children - we have classic VWs - which can be just as badly behaved! A qualified veterinary nurse, I work at Screech owl sanctuary - come visit!! I'm also a holistic therapist - when I have time!! We sold our house to escape the 'treadmill', and now live in an airstream trailer! It's great, we're posh trailer trash - we have under floor heating! I have an active background - triathlons etc, and am lucky enough to have sand dunes on my doorstep, for training - WOO YAY!!! Can't wait to get there!!!

Why the MdS?
I'm bonkers!! I first watched the MdS with my Mom about 20 years ago! I said 'I'm going to do that one day' My life has changed in many ways - & now the time is right? So here I am!!

Why Facing Africa?
I thought about many charities, & came to the decision that if I am lucky enough to be in another country ? I must do something to help support that country. Nobody I've spoken to (yet) has heard of NOMA, as I hadn't prior to the MdS. We must help these people, & eradicate this disease.

supanova-wootton@hotmail.com

Profile
Born in Australia and brought up in the UK, I started exploring the world at a young age by signing as a professional cricket at 16, after 6 years as a pro it was time to move on and explore other adventures, The MDS might just use up the last of my 9 lives! having come close on a number of occasions to ending things both in the mountains (Matterhorn and Eiger never again!) and then the IronMan in Switzerland. I'm always keen to find the next adventure, and this looked like a sound bet!! I live in Putney South London.

Why the MdS?
I'm always in search of a new adventure and love pushing myself to my physical and mental limits. The MdS seemed like the perfect opportunity to challenge those limits as well as raising money for a worthy cause.

Why Facing Africa?
Throughout my life I have been given many opportunities to visit some amazing places and take part in fantastic activities and projects. Not only do I believe that competing in the MdS is one of those opportunities, but I also believe that I have a responsibility to help pass opportunities on to others. By supporting Facing Africa I can help to give Noma sufferers the opportunity of a fresh start and a life without social prejudice.

Website: http://thoshunt.webs.com/

Thomas.Hunt@gartner.com

Profile
I was brought up in Kent, but I currently live in Shepton Mallet in Somerset with my wife Emily and two lads; Stan and Sid.

I got into running in 2008 to help give up smoking, since then I've managed to run a few marathons on and off-road. I'm not particularly fast but I do really enjoy the challenge of it all. I saw a programme about MdS on the television and thought that it looked like an amazing experience that I'd be able to look back on for the rest of my life, and so entered at the next available opportunity.

I think Facing Africa is a fantastic charity and I'm proud to be raising funds for them. Whenever the training feels too hard I think of the kids who have had Noma and I know that whatever I'm going through is nothing by comparison.

Williamson.rupert@yahoo.co.uk

Profile
My name is Andy Bassett I am 40yrs old (I will be 42 by the time I race in the 2012 Marathon des Sables) Originally from South Wales I now live in Bolton Lancashire with my partner Gez and our two wonderful children Tilly Rose age 7 and Bryn Anderson age 5.

I have always had an interest in outdoor activities, including walking, climbing, cycling and of course running. I have completed races at various distances from 5k to full Marathon but have never yet completed any ultra distance races such as the Marathon des Sables.

Although I had heard and read accounts of the MdS previously it had never been high on my list of 'must do's' until I heard about the charity Facing Africa and the work it carries out helping children who suffer from Noma.

Raising funds for Facing Africa through participating in the MdS is my priority for the immediate future and up to the race start in March 2012.

I am seeking support through all means and any donations would be greatly appreciated.

Special thanks has to go to my family for their support and love and also to all my supporters who are helping make this all possible.

andyjbassett@yahoo.co.uk

Profile
I was born in London where I have lived most of my life. I also lived in South Africa for a few years and have done stints in Australia and the US - I get around! Now staying in Shad Thames with my fiancée, a fiery little Venezuelan with a low tolerance level for laziness... she has promised to follow me around the desert in a jeep with a cocktail, a megaphone and some "inspirational" messages of support. Cricket is my number one passion (after said Venezuelan) and that is how I met Thomas and Raj, the two other members of the MDS 2012 "All the gears, no ideas" team. Have also played quite a lot of hockey and golf. Never run a marathon though... or a half-marathon for that matter. Did cross-country at school - does that count?!

Why MDS?
It's a once-in-a-lifetime physical and mental challenge and an opportunity to help others who are helpless...

Why Facing Africa?
NOMA is just about the worst disease I have ever heard of. It afflicts helpless children who have never been given a chance. Facing Africa gives them that chance by applying its money wisely to help the worse-affected in an efficient way i.e. by building local clinics that can treat the disease at a fifth of the cost it would take in Europe. I want to raise awareness of Facing Africa's work in the UK where, sadly, most people have never heard of it.

ngauri@beachcroft.com

I'm Tom and I live and work in London. I have taken part in a number of events from the London Marathon to the Phuket Marathon in Thailand and feel ready to take that (giant) leap (of faith) into the unknown and run the Marathon Des Sables!

I have a great fondness for North and West Africa. I lived in Ghana and I've travelled to the Sahara on several occasions. I see this challenge as a fantastic opportunity to connect to the landscape whilst really listening and learning about my body and its capabilities.

So, why am I doing this? I signed up to the Marathon Des Sables for three reasons:

• To raise a substantial sum of money for a worthy cause that I really believe in
• To test my mental and physical strength
• To prove to my Dad that I'm up to the challenge

I am honoured to run for such a worthy cause. The fact that Noma is treatable opens up such a great opportunity to transform young lives. I really hope that by running the MDS on behalf of Facing Africa I will not only raise a substantial amount of money but also raise considerable awareness of the condition so that more can be done to treat those in need in the future.

To follow me and learn more please see my blog at http://tombo2012mds.blogspot.com/

t.a.j.durrant@googlemail.com

My name is Ross Farrugia. I'm 25 and currently live in North London, but originate from Cardiff. I work as an analyst in the pharmaceutical industry.

I've always been keen on sports, mainly competing in football and tennis. In the last few years though I have become passionate about physical fitness and endurance. I stumbled across the Marathon des Sables by searching for "the hardest race in the world" on an internet search engine, and was captivated by the challenge. At that point having never even ran a half marathon you may think me mad, but I've always wanted to push myself to the absolutely extreme of my mental and physical capabilities, and this seemed a perfect opportunity to do this.

Somehow I've since managed to persuade a friend to join me, and together we're really motivated to raise as much as possible for such a worthy cause. The amazing work Facing Africa does will act as an inspiration during all the training and I hope it will help me to succeed when the going gets tough in the heat of the desert.

When I'm not training for the MdS I enjoy music and comedy. I'm currently learning to play the guitar and I perform amateur stand-up comedy, so hopefully I'll be able to entertain and keep the spirits up during those long Sahara nights!!

http://www.desertrace2012.com/

ross.farrugia@roche.com

My name is Ben Speed, I am 25 years old and live in Brighton, originally from the North West. I work as an Analyst for an energy company. I've always had a passion for running with it coming on leaps and bounds in the last year or two. I'm a keen hiker too having completed the 3 and 14 peaks challenges, although I dont get much time to go walking in the mountains due to my location.

My interest in the MdS was sparked after my friend and MdS buddy told me he was going to do it. Being quite a keen runner I naturally wanted to take part. I really hope to push my boundaries doing it.

I first heard of Facing Africa through my friend, I'm hoping to raise a lot for the charity and to increase awareness of NOMA. I hadnt heard of this terrible disease until I'd heard of FA, after reading how easy it was to cure yet fatal if untreated, I knew it was the right cause to raise for. The race and fundraising will be very tough but I look forward to accomplishing both

http://www.desertrace2012.com/

Benjamin.Speed@edfenergy.com

I'm Yorkshire born and bred but now living in Chester and working in a desk based job in North Wales. I'm a keen cyclist and runner and love to be in the hills though my navigation skills are appauling, as my wife will testify.

I've had a mixed sporting life starting with rugby and judo then moving onto activities that have fitted in around my family and working life, commuting to work by bike or running forms an essential part of my training!

The marathon des sables has something of a legendary status in my mind and I feel fantastically priviliged to even reach the start line of such an event as it is something that so few people will have the opportunity to do. I feel it is an honour to be fundraising for Facing Africa because of this privilige and am aiming to raise as much as possible for their cause. The true challenge for me will be in training for the MDS as we have 3 young children that test my energy reserves daily, again I think sleep deprivation forms a useful part of endurance training!

martin.wilcock@avox.info

I was born in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, about an hours drive from Vancouver. This is where I currently livewith my wife Tammy and our month old daughter Madeline. Even though I stilllive in the same place I was born, that doesn't mean I don't love to see the world. I have traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America. My wife and I plan on spending a year volunteering in Central America in the near future. I work in construction, seeing as I love to be outside. I enjoy hiking, camping, yoga and photography.

Why the MDS? : Probably because I am a little crazy. I love to challenge myself, I love to try new things and I love to travel. This race will test me mentally and physically and will be a great adventure in my life.

Why Facing Africa? I had not heard of this charity or even this disease called NOMA before researching the MDS. After reading about this terrible disease, and watching "Make Me a New Face" (a BBC program that everyone should watch), my heart went out to these children. To grow up impoverished, and then be afflicted with this terrible disease is beyond unjust. Raising money to help these children is the least that I can do. Mygoal is to raise $10,000 and I hope you will help me reach it.

davebol10@hotmail.com

I am 23 years of age and I am a Police Community Support Officer in Cardiff where I also grew up and still live.

I love a challenge (I get plenty of them in my occupation). I enjoy nothing more than pushing myself physically and mentally in an endurance event. Last year I completed an Iron Man 70.3 and cycled from Cardiff to Scotland.

I have also completed numerous mountain bike marathons over the Brecon Beacons national park.

The Marathon Des Sables first hit my radar about 6 weeks ago when I watched JAMES CRACKNELL doing the 2010 race. I immediately became excited with the prospect of running across the desert and pushing myself to the extreme!

Then on doing more research, my attention was drawn to Facing Africa Noma. Like many people I had never heard about NOMA and I was moved by the work that our own brittish medical professionals are doing to dramatically improve the very young lives that fall victims to NOMA. I am over the moon that I have secured a place with the Facing Africa Team because I get to take part in an adventure of a lifetime and play a part in improving the lifes of the NOMA victims through fund raising.

spikeyhedgehoghas69er@hotmail.com

The 2011 MdS was so much fun, I'm back for more!

The challenge lived up to expectations on all counts, with the obvious question to be answered - does experience gained last make it any easier second time around!

Thanks to the Facing Africa team for giving me the opportunity of representing the charity again.

alunilewis@btinternet.com

Profile
I've always liked sport and in my younger years achieved 1st Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do; rowed for Loch Lomond Rowing Club and then around 2005 took an interest to run and cycle particularly hill running competing in various races including The Corrieyairck Challenge, The Carnethy 5 and Ben Lomond. I have also over the last 4-5 years participated in various endurance challenges for charity including participating in the Lance Armstrong Philly 08 and over 17 days cycled over 900 miles with 24,500 ft of climb. I have also participated in cycling from London to Paris and Belgium to Holland. My sister has even nominated me to carry the Olympic Torch.

I am mum to two teenage boys Ross and Ryan and want to thank them for all the love, encouragement and support they have given me when I'm training and have just got used to their mum being in running gear or cycling gear. Special thanks also have to go to all my supporters; my family; my community; work colleagues; Salsa Academy; Loch Lomond Park Hotel; Crispin's Band and the guys who have put themselves forward to have their chest/ legs waxed to help me with my fundraising quest. Believe me, this support is sincerely appreciated. Thank you.

Why the MdS/ Facing Africa - Noma
The MdS will be the biggest personal achievement and a real physical and mental test to my ability. I've known about the MdS and actually was looking at it when it then linked me to Facing Africa - Noma. My immediate thought was I could not put myself through such a physical and mental challenge without raising money to help Facing Africa send out those vital volunteer teams to help those children living with disease and chronic malnutrition. I am absolutely honoured to be in the 2012 team of runners for Facing Africa - Noma.

Rosemary.Kerr@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

My name is Noel Brick. I am a 34 year old lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science, currently working in Northern Ireland, though I am originally from Co. Kerry.

As my job suggests, sport is both my career and my hobby! In the past I have played both Gaelic football and soccer, though running, and maintaining a high level of physical fitness has been my obsession for many years now. I also work as a fitness coach in Gaelic games, and I am currently completing a PhD at the University of Limerick.

While managing my time is a bit of a juggling act, training for a challenge like the MdS is really the perfect tonic and balance for me. Running is my thinking time and I expect to get a lot of that over the next year or so!! I have completed a number marathons, though what I need are bigger and bigger challenges. The idea of running the MdS entered my consciousness a couple of years ago, and now the time has come to do something about it! In 2006 I took a sabbatical from work and travelled the world. I spent some time in East Africa, and took home some great memories that have enriched by life since. By running the MdS and raising funds for the great work that Facing Africa do, I hope my actions can enrich the lives of many more deserving people. That thought certainly makes the miles easier to do in training!

Noel.Brick@nrc.ac.uk

I am originally from Oldham in Lancashire. My father was in the army so we travelled around a lot, eventually settling in Dover, Kent. I still live in Dover with my wife and children, and own a busy marina restaurant.

I started running several years ago and have completed a number of marathons including; London, New York, Berlin and Paris. I have also completed an IronMan triathlon in Switzerland, but found after swimming 2.4 miles I found I would rather stick to running! I also completed an ultra marathon in the Amazon Jungle, and found this even tougher than the MdS!! My most recent challenge was cycling from Lands End to Dover in 5 days along with seven others, to raise money for Help for Heroes.

I have taken part in the MdS twice before, in 2002 and in 2004 and would like to make this my third and final MdS before I am too old! (I will be 56 at the time of the marathon). It was an amazing experience both times, although physically and mentally challenging. I am secretly looking forward to experiencing the sachets of dried food, blisters and soaring temperatures again!!

I am pleased that as well as completing my hat trick of MdS, I will also be raising money for Facing Africa. I've only recently learnt of the work they do to help children suffering with such a terrible disease. This will be sure to keep me motivated during the next few months of hard training.

jim@cullinsyard.co.uk

My name is Paul Hawker, aged 38 (39 when we run the event), I live in Kent near Tunbridge Wells and I work in London. I'm married with a 6-year-old son.

So why am I running the 2012 Marathon des Sables?... Because I didn't have anything else on that week.

Only joking! I've gradually got drawn into endurance sports over the years and I usually enter into a cycling and a running event every year. I always do one charity fund-raising event each year. So what better endurance and charity event than the MdS?

I think Facing Africa is a wonderful cause and I'm honoured to represent this charity. A couple of colleagues have run the MdS for facing Africa before and speak very highly of the charity and the event.

I also love the Arab world and have spent time in Egypt, Lebanon and Oman, so the Maghreb is a big attraction to me. Plus I do a lot of my training when staying in Gozo, Malta, so I enjoy running in the dust and heat. (At least I enjoy 30 degrees, not sure about 45!)

See you there.

paulhawker100@gmail.com

I'm lucky enough to have played and enjoyed many sports over the years but I have been very guilty of taking my health and fitness for granted. I was fortunate enough to gain a place for the 2010 Marathon des Sables but at the eleventh hour I was diagnosed with a back injury that prevented me from going. As the disappointment subsided, it has been a long and thought provoking process to get back to this point. So why do I want to try again?

Because I said I would. Because I believe in the Facing Africa cause and I want to honour the generous donations I received in 2010 and raise even more in 2012. I've been through surgery in my recovery which obviously doesn't compare to what Noma sufferers go through. I'm fortunate and very grateful to be given this opportunity again. I hope you can help me achieve my fundraising target.

chrishhoward@btinternet.com

Hi my name is Gert Nel I am 44 young during the MDS. I live in Colchester and immigrated to the United Kingdom in 2002 originally from South Africa (East London). I have two gorgeous children Kyra 10 and Madeline 4. I am the Company Director of a small security Company Protea Security Ltd since 2004 we do mainly man guarding and security training. While serving in the South African Police we generally had to be fit and I developed a keen interest in running ,I have complete 6 comrades and one two Oceons and several marathons while in South Africa and only recently got started again by completing the London Marathon in 2010 and in 2011 and now also the Lockness Marathon this year.

Why the MdS?
Personally I see the Marathon Des Sables as one of life's ultimate challenges in the world one of the Top 20 on my list , It is in fact really for a good cause and a personal challenge's for me and the fact that I will be able to raise money for a needy charity is a bonus.

Why Facing Africa?
Well being a African and knowing the huge challenges some ordinary people come across by day to day challenges, hunger ,malaria ,aids to name a few ,things we in the first word countries take for granted ,Facing Africa was a natural choice when deciding which charity to support I know that my small contribution will make a huge difference to people suffering from this dreadful Noma decease. Facing Africa does so much to help people in truly desperate situations and what better to help others not that fortunate.

gert@proteasecurity.co.uk

My name is Mark Johnson. I live in a small village in East Sussex with my wife Dawn, sons Alexander (6) and Kit (4) and dog, Indy. I enjoy running, mountain biking, snowboarding and have a garage full of ageing windsurfing gear. I travel to work in London every day and have calculated that, over a 15yr period, this would equate to a whole year of my life in a Southeastern railways train carriage. It was this realisation that prompted the idea of taking part in the MdS. I have always enjoyed raising money for good causes although my last London marathon was back in 1993. Since then I have taken part in the three peaks challenge, London-Paris bike ride, triathlons and climbed Kilimanjaro in 2006. Many of you helped me get there.

Like me you may not have heard about Facing Africa until now. You too may have found it difficult to look at the photographs of children whose lives are blighted by terrible disfigurement. I hope to raise enough money - £5000 - to provide for 6 children to undergo facial reconstruction surgery, thanks to the work of Facing Africa and its volunteers. I know that the race will be hell. My goal is simply to finish it. With your help we can achieve much along the way.

Many thanks for all your support.

Mark.Johnson@blackrock.com

I feel I should start with what might seem like an odd confession. For most of my life I have hated running. Running after a rugby ball, yes, but running simply for the sake of running never appealed. Haven't these people heard about the advances in transportation?

When I left university I moved to London, where I worked as a lawyer for 4 years (I am now in the process of setting up a fresh fitness food company), and finding myself unable to commit to a rugby club, a real gap opened in my life in terms of physical challenges. That was until I ran the London marathon. Physically and mentally ill-prepared, I dragged myself around, daydreaming about the advances in transportation and trying to ignore the pain. But the mixture of emotions I felt when I crossed the line really had an impact. I felt individually proud (especially as I am not a natural runner) and the crowd and other runners helped me feel a part of something special. I also felt great knowing I had raised a considerable amount of money for charity that day.

Shortly after running the London marathon I found myself watching 'Jack Osbourne: Adrenaline Junkie' (I guess I am still confessing here). Jack was trying to complete a 153-mile ultra-marathon through the Sahara Dessert. Although Jack was unsuccessful, I was hooked. I never even knew such things were attempted and so, with the London marathon fresh in my mind and my competitive nature missing the highs and lows of chasing egg-shaped balls, I promised myself I would succeed where Jack failed.

I still find running incredibly difficult, time consuming and painful at times. But I have also grown to love it. I love the fact that every run can be a unique challenge. And I love the fact that, ultimately, I am the only person who knows whether I tried my hardest and achieved what I set out to achieve. So, thanks to my new found love of running, my competitive nature and, of course, Jack Osbourne, I will be attempting the Marathon Des Sables.

Why Facing Africa?
To answer this question, I really urge you to take a few minutes to look through this website. I found it a truly moving experience. The charity helps some of the most disadvantaged people in the most impoverished areas of the world. But what struck me more than anything else is that NOMA (the infection the charity addresses) is as destructive and life changing as it is treatable and preventable.

jaredbeaumontwilliams@googlemail.com

I was born & bred in Derbyshire but now live in Essex with my partner. I run Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary & care for around 400 rescued animals including 48 Horses & 30 Dogs on my own.

I was very ill in my teens & as a result have a knee replacement and no right kneecap. I follow a Vegan lifestyle and have done all my adult life. I started running a few years ago and have now completed over 20 marathons and hold 4 course records. I am also a keen cyclist & represented the UK at the Barcelona Olympicsin ?92

Why the MdS?

I have been training on my endurance all my adult life and the MdS gives me the opportunity to test myself to the limits of my capability.

Why Facing Africa?

NOMA is such debilitating disease and few in the UK have heard of it. I want to do all I can to increase awareness of the work that Facing Africa do and raise as much money as possible for this excellent cause

drwrinkle@btinternet.com

My name is Ziyad Rahim and I live in Qatar. I am 38 years old; married with 2 kids. I am a banker by profession and strive towards maintaining a work life balance; juggling work deliverables and fulfilling duties of an attentive father and a devoted husband. As part of my daily schedule, I dedicate a few hours for exercise as it helps me stay healthy and provide relaxation. I am an avid long-distance runner and to-date, have completed over 80 long-distance races, spanning 20 countries and 5 continents. I also take part in fundraising for various charities. In 2010, I ran three marathons in three consecutive weeks in UK to help raise funds for the Pakistani flood victims that affected over 30 million people.

I am currently on a 6 month training program for Marathon Des Sables. Living in Qatar provides me an advantage over some other competitors as the terrain in this country is almost similar to what runners will experience in Sahara; i.e. extreme climate, sand dunes and rocky trails.

Why the MDS
After having completed numerous marathons and ultra around the world, a friend of mine suggested this race to me; which I believe is a true test for ultimate human endurance. Since I want to raise considerable amount money for charity, I thought I would have to do something out of the ordinary to attract attention. Hence, my goal is to do 2 extreme races within 30 days. In March, I will travel to the coldest continent on Earth to run the Antarctica Marathon and then 3 weeks later embark on a 255Km Ultra in the hot sand dunes of Sahara.

Why Facing Africa?
I watched the documentary on NOMA and found the suffering of young children quite disturbing. I myself have 2 kids who are under the age of six and they are privileged to live in a place where they get all the comforts of life and medical attention, if required. Therefore, by taking part in the above 2 races, I would like to raise as much money and awareness as possible so that the children affected with this disease can get the required medical attention they truly deserve.

My race and training progress can be followed on my facebook page Z Marathon

ziyadrahim@yahoo.com

Profile: Born in Berlin. French mother, Scottish father, first schooling in Zimbabwe. Aussie wife and three beautiful daughters. My pants and socks are made in China. I love rugby, hockey and fine wine. Running is something that gets me from A to B.

Why the MDS?
It sounded like a great idea after a few wines in the Hunter valley. After a few more wines I found cake and jelly not a problem, but how would I keep custard in my shoes for 240 meters? I read the website again and noticed I had added an extra "r" in desert. I also noticed 240m was missing a k.

Why Facing Africa/NOMA?
After much thought and many hours running on my own and with friends, avoiding goannas, snakes, spiders, roos, imaginary bears, lightning bolts and the odd bush turkey I have decided to raise money for a charity. As Chris says "...many competitors still run for themselves only. This is wasted potential." Choosing the charity was a no brainer as Facing Africa is one of the key powerhouses for the race. Too few people (including myself) know what NOMA is. If we can get a man to the moon, laser eyes and split the atom, surely we can get rid of this disease.

http://sandyrun.blogspot.com.au/

nick.e.thomson@gmail.com

My name is Nick Appell. I live in a small village in Suffolk with my wife Tamsin, sons Zac (5) Jay (5) and daughter Amira (7) and dog, Elsa and several chickens! I really enjoy setting myself goals and having done several marathons to include the North Pole marathon in 2009 and climbed Kilimanjaro in 2008, I thought it was time for "The Big One". The MDS has always been on the radar so I thought the Olympic year was an appropriate time to take on the challenge. I am really looking forward to the experience and having done the NP Marathon I am looking forward to the great camaraderie between all the competitors.

I had not until recently heard about Facing Africa, but now I am aware of the amazing work they do to help the poor children blighted by terrible disfigurement, I hope to raise enough money to help pay for several children to undergo facial reconstruction surgery. With your help and support we can achieve great things.

nickappell@casnagroup.co.uk