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Tim is all set for his Sahara challenge

Michael Byrne
10/ 1/2006

COMPANY director Tim Docker will be walking and running across the Sahara Desert in the toughest race on Earth.

Mr Docker, aged 46, of Starring Way, Littleborough, is taking part in the Marathon des Sables, which will see him try to cover 143 miles in six days.

The searing heat of the desert can reach 140 degrees fahrenheit during the day, while at night temperatures will dip to freezing.

Mr Docker is one of 13 people doing the trek to help learning disability charity Mencap.

The team travels to Morocco on 7 April and will be driven to an unknown point in the desert.

From there they will have to walk or run a marathon distance of 26 miles each day. They will have to carry all their food and kit, including camping gear.

Mr Docker is taking part after being personally invited by Mencap chief executive Jo Williams as part of its 60th anniversary celebrations.

He met her when he took part in a bike ride along the Nile for Mencap and he also raised money through a bike ride in Brazil.

Mr Docker is a father of five children and stepfather to three more.

He said: "This race represents a tremendous challenge to me and I will feel rewarded by helping others who are less fortunate than myself.

"I have seen many children with disabilities and it makes me realise how fortunate we are and what we take for granted.

"We've been asked to raise a minimum of £5,000 and I'm hoping to get more than that.

"I've been training hard since May and I've run in the Great North Run and the Beachy Head Marathon, as well as the three peaks challenge.

"We will have to do orienteering as well and it will be a great challenge to pace myself over the course."

To sponsor Mr Docker on his African adventure ring him on 07931 388857.