THE PRINCIPAL of a Sindlesham private school has signed up to an athletic challenge to raise money.
Rick Cross, who joined the school in September last year, will compete in the Marathon Des Sables endurance race at the end of March. He is collecting sponsorship for two charities, First Days Children’s Charity and Camfed.
The event sees participants attempt to run 250 kilometres (155 miles) in a multi-staged race over seven days in the Moroccan Sahara desert. Runners must be completely self-sufficient and carry their own backpacks containing food, sleeping gear and other items.
Mr Cross is no stranger to endurance events.
“I completed the Iron Man UK ultra triathlon last year,” he said.
“Of the three disciplines, I enjoyed the running element the most, so I started looking around for other challenges while the race was postponed due to lockdown.
“I was drawn to the event’s catchphrase ‘My Everest’ and felt that it was for me.”
The Marathon Des Sables takes place in stages. Runners complete three marathons — 26 miles or 42 kilometres — over three consecutive days, followed by a double marathon on day four. After a rest day, entrants attempt a final marathon.
“Once I had made the decision to enter and start training, the distances seemed less intimidating,” he explained.
“It’s amazing what the human body can do.”
The charities that Mr Cross has chosen support are both close to his heart.
As a teacher, he wanted to support organisations working with children. His sister-in-law, Lucy Lake, is an executive officer of Camfed International, a charity that works to advance the education of girls in countries across southern Africa. After researching charities who work in Wokingham borough, he found First Days Children’s Charity.
“Both do great work,” he said.
And Mr Cross has the support of both charities.
Ms Lake and Angeline Murimirwa, who are co-executive officers of Camfed, said that they are in awe of Mr Cross for taking on the challenge and using it as an opportunity to support girls’ education in Africa.
“We wish Rick all the best,” they said. “We’re thrilled that his run will open the door to many more girls in the most difficult circumstances to be able to take up their rightful place in school.”
First Days spokesperson Monica Dunne also thanked Mr Cross on behalf of the charity, and said the team would be cheering him on from their office in Wokingham.
“The Marathon Des Sables is such an epic event,” she added.
“We would not be able to support as many children in Berkshire without the help of generous fundraisers like Rick.”
Nirvana Spa, also in Sindlesham, is lending Mr Cross its support too. The spa is interested in supporting his chosen charities, and has offered use of its sauna facilities to help him to acclimatise to the 40 degree Saharan heat.
For more information, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rick-cross
