“We have loved working with St Ann’s Hospice and our supporters have got a lot of satisfaction out of raising funds for the hospice.”Mary Menarry, founder chairman of Eccles Support Group All quotations and photographs are used with permission.

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The toughest footrace on earth

Medical student Andrew McMaster and 700 competitors from across the globe descended on a secret location in the vast expanse of Morocco’s Southern Sahara Desert for the Marathon des Sables, a six-day 150 mile endurance marathon in one of the most hostile environments on earth.

Facing mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, Andrew set off across the barren wilderness, sometimes completing up to 50 miles in one stage.

Marathon de Sables

“Training? I’m doing 70 miles a week. The major challenge is the weight. Preparation is essential. People pull out mainly because of blisters. We have to wear sand gators up to our knees to keep the sand out. I have an anti-venom pump, too, for snake bites. But it’s all in a good cause for St Ann’s Hospice.”

Catch up with Andrew on his return in our news section.

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The toughest footrace on earth

Medical student Andrew McMaster and 700 competitors from across the globe descended on a secret location in the vast expanse of Morocco’s Southern Sahara Desert for the Marathon des Sables, a six-day 150 mile endurance marathon in one of the most hostile environments on earth.