A 53-YEAR-OLD cancer survivor is tackling what is described as the toughest foot race on earth.
Denise Lowther, from Blidworth, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in 2006, and is running in the six day, 156 miles Marathon Des Sables starting on April 7, across the Sahara Desert. The race name translates as 'marathon of the sands'.
Ms Lowther said: "Taking part and completing the Marathon Des Sables will be the achievement of a lifetime for me. It's a culmination of my ups and downs really. It's always been about the journey for me, and now i'm hoping to get a great sense of achievement with this marathon."
The sports enthusiast has paid an entry fee and made a donation to a Moroccan charity. She is now hoping to boost her fundraising total.
She said: "I'm hoping I can get as close to raising £1,500 as possible. I managed the same total with the race for life a couple of years ago so with a bit of luck I can do the same again.
It definitely will be emotional at the finish line. One day I may sit down and think about all this properly, but for now I am focused on getting the marathon finished, so it's not been processed yet."
Donations and good luck messages can be made at www.justgiving.com/ DeniseRunsTheMarathonDesSables