Marathon des Sables 2005

BEN RUNS THE RACE OF HIS LIFE

A 140-mile, seven-day race across the desert in searing temperatures with just a pair of running shoes between you and the toughest terrain on the planet. It?s not the sort of place you?d expect to find a former cancer patient.

Try telling that to Dr. Ben Edwards, a sports scientist from Stockport in Greater Manchester. He ran in the 2005 Marathon des Sables in April. Ben was the the first person ever to complete this gruelling event having been treated for cancer not once, but twice. While the race was underway Ben managed to send us daily reports of his progress.

You can still help Ben to reach his target by sponsoring him  - simply follow the link and give what you can. Thank you.

The Marathon des Sables, or the Marathon of the Sands, is one of the most prestigious endurance events in the world. Known as the toughest foot race on Earth, the marathon was broken down into several stages over seven days. And the location for this extraordinary event is the Sahara Desert in Morocco. Before Ben set off he gave us an insight into his preparation by sending us this training diary.

With mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, Ben had to cope with running across rocky ground, over dried lakes and through palm groves ­? as well as the shifting sands of the dunes. What?s more, he carried his own food, sleeping bag and emergency equipment. So why did he put himself through all this? By the time all of the money is counted, Ben is hoping to raise £100,000 for AICR.

Ben, 31 and a senior lecturer at Liverpool's John Moore University, knows first hand the benefit of pioneering research. At 15, he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Then, four years later, he developed an invasive tumour under his arm. Both times he was successfully treated ­? an annual check up is now the only reminder of those difficult times.

A veteran of the London Marathon and national triathlon events, Ben had to earn his place in the Marathon des Sables, beating hundreds of other hopefuls from all over the world. He knows that this infamous event will push him to the limits both physically and psychologically ? but his determination to raise vital funds for pioneering cancer research drives him on.

Ben is alive today because of work undertaken by cancer researchers funded by AICR and others who are helping to devise and develop new treatments

"When I heard of the great work done by scientists funded by AICR I wanted to help. I know there are less strenuous ways to show support, but I hoped that people would want to sponsor me because they recognised that I was prepared to go the extra mile for a cause close to my heart and one to which I owe my life", he explains.

AICR's ex Chief Executive Derek Napier agreed that AICR supporters would rally to help Ben raise his sponsorship target of £100,000.

"Ben is alive today because of work undertaken by cancer researchers funded by AICR and others who are helping to devise and develop new treatments. To even have earned his place in this most punishing of events was testimony to the success of research - to have completed the race was incredible. We are extremely grateful that he chose to support us and we wish him well in the future".

You can still help Ben to reach his target by sponsoring him  - simply follow the link and give what you can.