By Mark Barrow
A DARING father from Diggle has completed one of the most gruelling marathons in the world to raise more than £2,300 for charity.
Andy Simister, 45, flew out to Morocco take part in the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara Desert from April 5-11.
The father of two, who is Watch Commander at Manchester Central Fire Station, spent six days battling sand dunes in scorching heat, including running up to 36 hours in one stretch.
Despite picking up minor foot injuries, he was much luckier than some of his competitors who suffered dehydration, broken legs and twisted ankles.
Yet Andy, who has previously completed races in Manchester, Berlin and Snowdon, would recommend the challenge to anyone.
He said: “It’s a brilliant experience – I’d do it again tomorrow! I’d really recommend it, but you do have to be mentally strong.
“It’s not just about the running because you meet friends for life. We were constantly having a laugh. I was sharing a tent with lads from Dubai and Cumbria and we all enjoyed the experience.”
Andy took on the feat to raise money for Cancer Research UK, a charity that means a lot to him since his mother died of breast cancer in 1997 and his father is currently fighting cancer.
He has currently raised over £2,300 from family, friends and businesses, but has left his Just Giving page running to hopefully attract further donations.
Andy added: “I just want to go back, I loved every minute of it. I felt like Lawrence of Arabia!”
The Marathon des Sables covers 156 miles in six days and is open to runners from around the world. This year explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, 71, became the oldest Briton to complete the challenge.
To support Andy’s charity you can donate to his Just Giving page through www.justgiving.com/Andrew-Simister
thank you for sharing that
thank you for sharing that