Fundraiser Embarks on Extreme Sahara Challenge for Children's Charity
An intrepid fundraiser is preparing to undertake one of the planet's most extreme endurance challenges in support of Dreams Come True, the United Kingdom's only national wish-granting charity dedicated exclusively to children living in the highest areas of deprivation. Ivor Stratford is set to tackle the legendary Marathon des Sables, widely regarded as the world's toughest foot race, covering approximately 270 kilometers across the unforgiving Sahara Desert in Morocco.
Raising Vital Funds for Life-Changing Dreams
Through this extraordinary feat, Ivor aims to raise crucial funds to help make life-changing dreams come true for children living with serious illnesses, disabilities, and life-limiting conditions while growing up in poverty. The Sahara Desert is a long way from the streets of Britain, where Dreams Come True focuses its efforts, but as Ivor takes on this relentless test of resilience and mental strength, he does so with a clear purpose: to support children facing some of life's toughest challenges.
As he set off for the starting line at the beginning of April, Ivor expressed a positive outlook. "I'm feeling pretty good," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting it done, but I don't want to wish it away. I feel like I've prepared as well as I can, while knowing there's a lot I can't prepare for. I've gone through lots of different scenarios in my head, but I know I can't control everything. So, I'm trying to think about it, but not overthink it."
The Gruelling Demands of the Marathon des Sables
The Marathon des Sables pushes competitors to their absolute limits with intense heat, punishing rocky climbs, endless sand dunes, and disorientating sandstorms forming the backdrop to this legendary race. Participants must carry everything they need on their backs and endure gruelling stages, including a 100-kilometer stretch that must be completed within 40 hours.
A Remarkable Personal Transformation Journey
What makes Ivor's challenge even more remarkable is his personal journey. Just four years ago, he could barely run five kilometers and was struggling both physically and mentally. "I didn't necessarily realise it then, but I was in a bad place," admitted Ivor, aged 34. "I was overweight and drinking too much. I was deeply unhappy. In May 2022, my wife came home to find me on the phone to the Samaritans, saying I didn't want to be here anymore."
It was around that time that Ivor's colleague, Gus Lambert, also a supporter of Dreams Come True, was fundraising for the 2022 London Marathon. Ivor added: "I quipped that I'd love to do a marathon too. He must have gone away and talked to Dreams Come True because within 10 minutes, he came back and said 'You're in!' When he told me about the charity helping children from the most socially deprived areas of the country with disabilities and life-limiting conditions, I couldn't really say no. So, that's how the running and my connection with the charity started. That one conversation changed everything."
Life Transformation and Continued Support
Since then, Ivor has transformed his life completely. He has been alcohol-free for four years and has completed multiple endurance events, raising thousands of pounds for charity along the way. "Dreams Come True tells me how grateful they are, but I have so much appreciation for them for giving me that first opportunity. I don't know where I would be if that hadn't happened," he said. "Now I am in a completely different place, and so much of that is down to looking after myself and doing something with a purpose."
Half of the £10,000 he hopes to raise will support Dreams Come True, with the remainder going to the Hospice of St Francis in Berkhamsted, which cared for his grandfather. Training through the British winter has meant simulating extreme conditions wherever possible, from weighted treadmill runs to deliberately overheating to prepare for the desert environment.
Drawing Inspiration from the Children
During the darkest moments, it is the children he is running for who keep him moving forward. "When I am doing a long run and feeling awful, I always remind myself that I have a choice. The people the charity supports don't have a choice about the situation they are in," Ivor explained. "When I am in the middle of the Sahara, complaining about sleeping in the sand, I'll remind myself to get over it and keep putting one foot in front of the other."
Lisa King OBE, CEO of Dreams Come True, added: "Ivor's determination to take on the Marathon des Sables for Dreams Come True is truly inspiring. Challenges like this not only raise vital funds but also shine a light on the children we support every day. Thanks to supporters like Ivor, we can continue delivering life-changing dreams that bring joy, hope and confidence to children facing the toughest circumstances."
