'Feet' of endurance

Andy Jones and Andy Corcoran have conquered the 2008 Marathon des Sables.

Self-styled as the “toughest footrace on Earth”, this year over 800 people braved the almost impossible conditions of the Sahara desert to complete the 154 mile course, with temperatures hitting a scorching 48°.

The seven day course poses a different challenge and distance each day, including mountains and enormous sand dunes, and each competitor must be totally self-sufficient throughout, carrying food, water rations, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag, stove etc., on their back.

Once committed to this feat of endurance Andy Jones pledged sponsorship to the Evelina Appeal as his wife Caroline works in the neonatal unit. He said: "This charity is very close to our hearts. For me it was after reading letters of thanks to staff that it really hit home what an incredible job the nurses and doctors do. The race itself was just extraordinary. My body and mind have changed completely - truly anything is possible if you just don't give up."

The two Andy’s raised an amazing £23,265 between them (and just a couple of blisters) and have paid for an incubator for the neonatal intensive care unit.

You can find out more about their trials and triumphs on their website: www.150milesofsand.com