Students back Noel’s marathon effort

One charity is set to help children in Africa suffering with Noma (cancrum oris) a very horrible disfiguring affliction the other charity (PIPS) is helping suicide awareness.

This is a 156 mile, 7-day ultra marathon across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Competitors have to carry all supplies needed for the week in a backpack, running in temperatures typically averaging over 40 degrees each day.

This is going to be a massive challenge, but something he has wanted to do for a long time.

Between March 12th to 16th, 2012, the sports students at the NRC, Coleraine will be taking part in the “Run for their Lives 2012” Sahara Marathon Challenge as a fundraiser for two charities, PIPS Program and Facing Africa. Approximately 80 students will run as a relay team - and attempt to break last year’s winning time of 20 hours, 56 mins and 19 secs for the 156 mile Sahara Desert Marathon (or Marathon des Sables).

We are doing this huge challenge to support two charities, PIPS Programmes (a suicide awareness charity), and Facing Africa (who provide help and treatment for people suffering from a disease called Noma).

You can find both on Noel’s Facebook page!

We need your support to raise funds for these two great charities.

Over the next few week’s we will be seeking your support - please give as generously as you can!

To win... just guess our final finishing time when you sponsor us - and the closest wins £156!