Two men take on the Sahara for Plan

Plan supporters Guy Gibbs and Nikolai Pitchforth have just set off on the toughest footrace on earth.  They are participating in the Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands), a 6 day, 243km endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.  

They are carrying all their food, equipment and daily water rations and will face extreme weather conditions.  Already, Stage 1 of the race has been cancelled due to flooding, but they could face temperatures of a minimum of 0 degrees and a maximum of 50 degrees over the course of the event.

Of their participation in this most hardcore of physical and mental challenges Guy said, ‘We wanted to do it for the experience, to test the boundaries of our own capabilities and to change our perspective on what is possible.  But most importantly, we are using our participation in this event to raise money and awareness for Plan.’

Guy and Nikolai are supporting Plan’s Water and Sanitation project in Kisarawe District, Tanzania where only 18% of rural households have access to clean and safe water for drinking.  In Kisarawe, Plan is working with communities to establish sustainable, community managed water systems like boreholes and rainwater harvesting.  As well, Plan is helping to ensure that improved sanitation practices result in better health and hygiene for children and families.      

Their fundraising target is $10,000.  ‘We've chosen to face this challenge, but many people around the world face challenges every day that they have no choice in. We know that with Plan, our support will make a real difference for communities in Kisarawe.’

Guy and Nikolai are just two examples of supporters taking on physical and fundraising challenges for Plan, with more and more Australians helping to increase awareness and support through cycling, running and swimming.

You can follow the progress of Guy and Nikolai, send messages of encouragement, or make a donation by visiting www.run4plan.com