Support Andrew in the toughest footrace on earth for WellChild
Andrew Gould from Wimbledon will be taking part in the toughest foot race on earth later this month to raise money for WellChild.
Andrew, is shortly to depart for the Marathon Des Sables which involves six days running over 156 miles across the Sahara Desert, one of the world’s most inhospitable environments. Taking part he will cross endless sand dunes, rocky terrain and white-hot salt plains, carrying what he needs to survive on his back. Mentally the event is described as the ultimate challenge – an experience like no other in the world.
Andrew, who has run the London Marathon for WellChild in the past, is hoping to raise more than £5,000 for the charity’s work when he takes part in the Marathon Des Sables from March 25th to April 4th and you can support him on his JustGiving page here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andrewgouldmds22
Explaining why he decided to take on this extreme challenge to raise money for WellChild Andrew said: “Having raised funds once before for WellChild, I am certain their cause is greater than ever and knowing the positive impact donations will make is something I will turn to in the toughest moments of the event. It’s a privilege to be able to attempt something like this and I am so grateful to everyone who donates and also to my family, friends and colleagues for the incredible support they give”.
It’s a privilege to be able to attempt something like this and I am so grateful to everyone who donates and also to my family, friends and colleagues for the incredible support they give.
WellChild Chief Executive Colin Dyer said: “We can only wish Andrew luck with his incredible challenge for WellChild and thank him for his fantastic support for our work for seriously ill children and their families across the UK. For many of the children, young people and families we support, just getting through the day is a huge challenge. The children have an Everest to climb in trying to live the kind of normal life we all take for granted. On their behalf I thank Andrew for the incredible effort he is putting into running the Marathon Des Sables for WellChild.”
As well as raising money himself for WellChild’s work for seriously ill children and their families Andrew is also challenging others to take part by running the same distance in their own way with Oliver’s 257km Step Up Challenge for WellChild.
Oliver’s Step Up Challenge is a virtual challenge of 257km, over whatever timeframe and using whatever mode of self-powered transport you want, from your front door. Once you’ve completed the distance, you’ll receive a medal lovingly designed by Oliver!
Nine-year-old Oliver has alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), an ultra-rare condition affecting less than one in a million people. It causes episodes of weakness in every muscle in Oliver’s body, from arms and legs to his breathing, and can last anywhere from a couple of hours to days. Some episodes he never fully recovers from.
Oliver’s condition means that on a regular basis him and his family have to travel the 257km roundtrip from Southampton to see the only specialist for his condition in the country at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Oliver has to miss a day of school to attend his appointments and the journey has a big impact on the whole family. WellChild want to raise awareness of the distances young children like Oliver have to travel for their care and the impact this has on their families.
To find out more and sign up to this Step Up Challenge Visit:
https://www.wellchild.org.uk/support-us/fundraise/stepup/
