Brighton resident Karl Gilbert will run the distance of two marathons across the desert, tomorrow and Saturday (Oct 14 & 15) in aid of The Christie hospital, which treated him for cancer.
Karl was treated for cancer at The Christie in Manchester, as was his friend Ollie, who sadly later died with multiple brain tumours.
Karl will be running in Ollie's memory, starting at the Draa Valley in Morocco and ending in the Sahara Desert.
He told the heartbreaking story of his friend on his JustGiving page, which has so far raised just under £4k for the cancer hospital:
"Eighteen years ago, at the age of 28, I was diagnosed with testicular cancer; an aggressive Teratoma tumour, successfully treated by surgical procedure in the care of staff at The Christie Hospital in Manchester, and to whom I will forever be indebted.
"The painful days following surgery were eased, like many cancer patients, by the support of family and friends; in my case two very special friends, Pippa Kelly and Ollie Billings, who kindly collected me from hospital and stayed with me until I was able to function again.
Karl & Ollie
"As fate would have it, Pip and Ol married and had two amazing children together, Sam and Katie.
"I would love to say that the motivation for raising money for The Christie is to repay my own, long overdue, debt of gratitude however, in a cruel twist of fate, Ollie was later diagnosed with multiple brain tumours and, despite also receiving outstanding care from staff at The Christie, sadly relinquished his fight with cancer just over a year ago. In doing so, Pip, Sam and Katie lost a wonderful husband and father…and the world was deprived of a warm and loving man, giant in heart as well as stature.
Ollie "doing what he did best".
"In Ollie’s memory, I will be competing in the Saharan Challenge this coming October; running 2 marathon distances over 2 days, starting at the Draa Valley in Morocco and ending at the sun-baked sand dunes of the Sahara Desert.
"Please join me in raising £2,500, to celebrate the life of Ollie Billings and ensure that The Christie can continue leading the way in cancer care, research and education, for future cancer patients and their families alike."
More 'Live' Bus Information Screens To Be Installed In West Sussex
Rare Bee Found In Lewes
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre