Mark Bartram (54) of Bartram Mowers is running the Marathon Des Sables starting on the 8th April, lasting seven days across part of the Sahara Desert.

During that time, he will run the equivalent of six marathons and will have to carry all his kit and food required for the duration of the race.

Mark Bartram has been training in slightly different conditions to what he'll encounter in the Sahara!

Mark, who says this proves you are never too old to take on even the harshest physical challenges, has been training for most of the last 12 months and has used part of the North Norfolk Coastal Path in an attempt to replicate the conditions he will experience in the Sahara.

Mark commented “Whilst I have been able to train running on sand I have no experience of running in temperatures that are likely to be over 40 degrees centigrade for most of the race. In fact, I have been more familiar with sub-zero temperatures and snow in recent weeks!”

Mark is raising money for the Wooden Spoon children’s charity and Walking With The Wounded.

His fundraising page for anyone wishing to support him is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkBartram-mds