Pushing themselves to the absolute limit for Mencap

Thursday 26 March 2009

Not for the fainthearted, Mencap's extreme team is taking part in some of the most challenging and breath-taking endurance events on earth and at the same time making a real difference to the lives of people with a learning disability. From ultra-marathons to extreme cycling treks, from the desert to the jungle, the extreme team will be visiting some of the world's wildest, remotest and harshest corners of the globe. 

Mencap is leading the way on extreme events for charity and is looking for adventurous individuals to join its extreme team. March sees thirteen of Mencap's extreme team travelling to the Moroccan Sahara to embark on the gruelling Marathon des Sables. This self-sufficient six day race covers 150 miles and runners face sweltering midday temperatures which can rise to 120°F. The terrain is uneven, rocky, stony ground and 15-20% of the distance is over sand dunes.

Olympic legend James Cracknell, who will be taking on Marathon des Sables in 2010 for Mencap, comments: "Marathon des Sables is known as the toughest footrace on earth, so I'm not taking this event on lightly! Preparation is essential and the heat is going to be a tremendous hurdle. But I have learnt that if you put one foot in front of the other, eventually you'll get there! The race will be an experience of a lifetime and it will be a huge personal achievement knowing that I'm doing it for a very worthwhile cause."

The Mencap extreme team receives excellent support with training and fundraising advice from experts. Runners also gain access to a network of fellow adventurers and to discounted sports related products and services.

Mark Goldring, Mencap's chief executive, comments: "As well as having the experience of a lifetime, the money raised will help Mencap support people with a learning disability in the UK to be more independent by living in their own homes and having access to employment, leisure and relationships."

To find out more about Mencap's extreme team visit: www.mencap.org.uk/extreme or call 020 7696 6929.

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