Juniors Vice Chair Raises Over £13,000 After Gruelling Trek Across Sahara Desert

Maidenhead United Juniors Vice Chair Craig McLaughlin has raised more than £13,000 for Thames Hospice after completing the Marathon Des Sables. 

 

The 155-mile, week-long ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert is held at the start of April. Participants must battle brutal weather, where temperatures reach as high as 45 degrees Celsius, while carrying equipment to last the full week. It’s broken into six stages, with the longest day totalling a staggering 51 miles. 

 

“I initially thought about entering the race 18 months ago, so have been planning since then,” Craig said. “It took 9 months of fairly intensive training which included a new diet, gym sessions three or four times a week and walking over 1500km. 

 

“The focus on choosing the correct kit – to reduce the weight you have to carry was quite stressful. Cutting grams of weight from kit became a bit obsessive! And then there was the food that I needed; your meals are dehydrated meals, like army rations, so it was more about calories than enjoyment - eating an Oxo cube twice a day is for the salt, not the pleasure!” 

 

Craig chose to raise money for Thames Hospice for its care, support, and dignity they provided for his father who passed away from cancer in 2016. Having raised nearly £40,000 for Thames Hospice in four previous treks, Craig’s fifth fundraiser was particularly significant with the Marathon Des Sables beginning on what would have been his father’s 70th birthday. 

 

Craig completed the challenge on Saturday, 12th April, and raised more than £13,000 for Thames Hospice in the process. His total race time was just over 67 hours. 

 

The MUFC Juniors Vice Chair said he felt “elated, exhausted, and a sense of great pride” after completing the gruelling challenge, and was “very aware” that he had not showered for nine days. 

 

“For this event we have been able to raise £13,417, and £50,101 in total over the past 5 challenges I have completed,” Craig added. “I’m actively involved with Thames Hospice as they cared for my dad in the last few weeks of his life, and it exposed me to the amazing work hospices do and the services they provide.” 

 

To donate to Craig’s fundraiser, please visit the link below.