A determined mum and two of her children are embarking on a gruelling ultramarathon across endless sand dunes, rocky mountains and white-hot salt plains in a daring quest to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Jenny Anderson, Sales Supervisor in the charity’s Southwold shop, has signed up for the energy-sapping Marathon Des Sables along with son Ewan, 28, and daughter Elin, 26. Between them, they hope to raise £3,000.
The 250km (156-mile) event, held in the Sahara Desert, is regarded as the toughest footrace on Earth. It is approximately the distance of six regular marathons, and the longest single stage is an eye-watering 100k.
“People may think we’re mad, but I feel truly privileged to have this opportunity, with two of my children by my side,” said Jenny, 58.
“I take each day as a blessing and am one of the lucky ones, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019.
“It shook me to my very foundations, and suddenly, life seemed more precious and fragile than ever.
“Mercifully, after treatment, I’ve subsequently had a positive prognosis, and when I asked my oncologist what I should do to stop it coming back he said ‘keep running’.
“So, that’s exactly what I’ve done, and each step of every day is truly precious, a blessing and certainly not something I ever take for granted. It gave me the inspiration to take on this extraordinary challenge.”
The multi-stage Marathon Des Sables, which gets underway on 3rd April, is held every year in southern Morocco.
It equates to roughly a marathon a day for the first three days and then a double marathon on the fourth.
After a rest day, hardy participants then do another marathon before finishing with one last half-marathon.
It is a self-sufficiency race, so participants carry their own belongings. The only thing they are given is water.
They sleep in open-sided tents, which are big enough for seven or eight people.
“Ever since recovering from breast cancer, this event has been on my bucket list,” said Jenny, who lives in Worlingham.
“However, it’s self-funded and hugely expensive, so I knew I’d need to get a part-time job to help pay for it. That’s what led to me working for EACH, in Southwold.
“It’s one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had, and I’m in awe of the incredible, essential care and support it provides.
“No family should have to go through these horrendous things.
“However, for those who have no choice, this amazing charity is there to make those short lives as loving, happy and pain-free as possible.
“It puts everything in perspective, and we’re so thankful to anyone kind enough to support us by donating.
“Any amount, however small, will be truly appreciated, and hopefully together we can make those hard, blistering steps across the desert count and mean something more than just a tick on my bucket list.”
Natasha Butler, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Norfolk, said she was in awe of Jenny, Ewan and Elin’s efforts.
“Jenny has clearly had a tough few years, but her strength, resilience and positivity is truly inspiring,” she said.
“Everyone here will be cheering them every step of the way, and the fact they’re embarking on this incredible adventure together, as a family, makes it even more powerful and meaningful.
“What a great way to bond and raise funds and awareness of our charity at the same time.
“The Marathon des Sables is an extraordinary challenge in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments.
“It demands immense physical and mental strength, and it’s clear all three of them have the qualities in abundance.”
