JenRFC Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Hi folks, can you help? My wee Brother, Ross, is running the Marathon Des Sables next month to raise money for MS. You may remember this is the marathon that Paul Le Guen ran just prior to taking over at Rangers a few years back. Here's some info on the race. The Marathon Des Sables (MDS) (Marathon of the Sands) is a six-day, 254 km (156 mile) ultramarathon, which is the equivalent to five and 1/2 regular marathons. The longest single stage is 84 km (52 miles) long. The event is held every year in the southern Moroccan desert. It is considered the toughest foot race on Earth. The first event of the Marathon started in 1986. Some Fast Facts * Competitors must carry all personal belongings and food for the entire event in their backpack. Water and tents are supplied by the organizers. * During the 1994 race, Italian police officer Mauro Prosperi lost his way during a sand storm and wandered lost for more than 9 days, losing over 13 kg (30 lb) of body weight. * For the 2009 Marathon Des Sables, the registration fee is over 3000 euros before taxes. (paid for by Ross himself) * As of 2008, Lahcen Ahansal from Morocco has won 10 titles, and his brother Mohammed Ahansal has won 2 titles. * As of 2007, two competitors have died during the race. Ross has chosen MS on the hope that he can raise money for a very difficult disease that is for an unknown reason so prevalent in Scotland. MS Scotland work very hard researching a possible cure for MS. Ross has set up a web site where people like us can recognise his and their efforts and donate money to the cause. The address: www.justgiving.com/rossnewton What is MS? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological condition affecting young adults. Around 85,000 people in the UK have MS. In Scotland it is estimated that there are 10,500 people with MS – more people per capita than anywhere else in the world. MS is the result of damage to myelin - a protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system. When myelin is damaged, this interferes with messages between the brain and other parts of the body. For some people, MS is characterised by periods of relapse and remission whilst for others it has a progressive pattern. For everyone, it makes life unpredictable and very difficult. Last year, while staying for a while with my sister in Amsterdam, Ross developed a "Tumor" in his head. After some weeks of tests, stress and a great deal of worry, the tumor turned out to be just a mass of fluid, and was removed quickly with a simple procedure, however, I think the effect of knowing how unstable life can be - even at his young age of 23 - has lasted long and inspired him to help those less fortunate. It takes a very determined and special kind of person to dedicate such a large chunk of his time to raise awareness and help others. It would take you a few minutes to take the time to support the efforts of an amazing guy (ok I'm a bit biased!!) Again, Ross has paid the race fee of 3000 euros, plus taxes, out of his own pocket in order to raise as much as he can for MS Scotland, but he is well short of his target with only a month left till the race itself. I hope you can help by clicking on www.justgiving.com/rossnewton and donating what you can. Cheers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
covenanter Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Simply outstanding. I have a longterm mate who completed le Marathon de Sables several years past, I remain in awe of his achievement. Good luck to your brother, he may need it. MS is a most worthy cause. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dado Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Your brother is clinically insane, hat off to him though Good cause as well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Hammer 11 Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 can he take big lee with him and maybe leave him in the desert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluedell Posted February 14, 2009 Share Posted February 14, 2009 Donated. Best of luck to your brother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooper1989 Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Superb.. count on my support! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin93 Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 great stuff my mum and gran have ms,sounds tough! good luck to him im sure he'll do well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo. Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 Top effort, he's obviously off his fukin chump but well done that man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coopermania Posted February 15, 2009 Share Posted February 15, 2009 What an increible challenge. Good luck to Ross in this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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