Award winning Putney Landlady moves on from North Pole to Marathon in the Sahara

The Landlady of The Bricklayer’s Arms who ran 26.2 miles across one of the most remote and inhospitable environments on Earth - The Geographic North Pole in 2012, is taking on another extreme marathon next month. Instead of facing down the freezing arctic cold, she will be taking on the toughest footrace on earth - the Marathon des sables - a gruelling 6 day, 151 mile ultramarathon across the Saharan desert of Morocco.

46 year old Becky Newman, took part in the North Pole marathon in 2012 in memory of her sister, Helen, who died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage in 2005. Becky raised over £10,000.00 for the brain injury charity, Headway South West’s monthly support group which aims to provide information, advice and support to people affected by brain injuries as well as support for their carers, family and friends. Becky was nominated by the charity for their ‘Fund-raiser of the Year’ (of which she was runner-up) and she also took on the role of a trustee.

On April 6th Becky will be competing in the toughest footrace on planet earth - the Marathon des sables ('Marathon of the Sands' known as Mds) with the aim of raising further funds for Headway. Becky will be running 151 miles, over six days in temperatures reaching up to 120 degrees and carrying up to 10 kilos. (All competitors have to carry their food, water and kit at all times).

"As a marathon runner, this is going to be the biggest challenge I have ever faced. I am going to be running approximately a marathon a day for six days, across a vicious landscape under a burning desert sun with a heavy rucksack on my back. Yes, I have had a few 'what on earth were you thinking!?' moments but it is an incredible challenge for a great cause."

"This time, my aim is to raise £2000 for Headway. So many people have been supportive of all the fundraising activities I have been involved with and I would really, really like to thank everyone so very much! Headway receive no government funding and we are totally reliant on the generosity of private donations".

All donations go directly to the charity as Becky self-funds her entrance fee and travel. To make a donation, please kindly follow the link below. Thank you.

http://www.charitychoice.co.uk/fundraiser/rebeccanewman/marathon-des-sables

March 14, 2014