Pic right: Rob Woodford will be running in what could be the Worlds loneliest & most dangerous race. And he needs your help...
In September's Call Sign, DaC driver Rob Woodford (P49) told of his
plan to run in the world's toughest foot race - the 15th Marathon des
Sables which takes place in April 2000 and where competitors race across
the Sahara Desert carrying their supplies on their back!
Rob was one of four DaC drivers, including the late Paul
Bishop, who ran marathons in aid of the baby life support charity, BLISS.
Tragically, Paul died earlier this
Dial-a-Cab to Sponsor
Rob Woodford's Sahara Run
in Memory of Paul Bishop
There are so many worthy causes that need supporting and it would be impossible to support them all financially, however, Dial-a-Cab has agreed to become the main sponsor of Rob's run in recognition of the fight that Paul Bishop (whose call sign was R64) put up for his own life after contracting Motor Neurone disease.
The Marathon des Sables is universally recognised as the toughest footrace on Earth - 150 miles run in temperatures of up to 120 degrees with 20% of the race run in sand dunes and all their supplies - except water - carried on their backs.
Rob told Call Sign that he is used to running marathon's "...but they will be like a stroll in the park compared to this!"
Rob desperately needs sponsorship. Registering costs £2,125 and in addition, Rob
Currently, DaC are the main sponsors with £1000. In addition, Colin Goodwin (F43) has sponsored Rob's rucksack (£100), Alan Green (E52) is now the sponsor of Rob's head torch (£15), Mr D.Raymond (F56) has covered the Water Carrier System (£25), Call Sign, on behalf of it's advertisers, has sponsored the sleeping bag (£50) and Gordon Treacher (P73) has bought the vitamin supplements that Rob is going to need badly (£10).
These are some of the items that Rob still needs: Your help by sponsoring one of them will be
Telecommunications £100 - trainers £75 - food rations and sun glasses are £50 each. There are five items at £25 each - a water carrier system a hexi-stove, rocket flares, a tracksuit and ski sticks.
There are currently six items to sponsor at £15 each - T-shirt, bum bag, ground-mat, head torch, watch and legionnaire's cap.
There are lots of items to sponsor at £10 - sun-block, shorts, socks, sweatbands, sand-gaiters, energy drinks, Swiss army knife, re-hydration tabs, anti-venom pump, first aid pack, wash kit,
mess kit, spare socks, space blanket and a disposable camera.
Quite a few left at £5. They are: small torch, compass, whistle, reflective mirror, disinfectant, insect repellent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic spray, water purification, burns treatment, lip balm, hexi-fuel and last but by no means least anti-diarrhoea medication.
There will be regular Call Sign updates on Rob's progress and the race itself will be covered live on Eurosport...
