AS one Herefordshire man returns from the Sahara after taking part in a gruelling marathon, another is preparing for a desert challenge of his own.

Oliver Whittall, from Dilwyn, took part in the Marathon Des Sables – an energy sapping 243km trek across the desert – and has so far raised £10,000 for Help For Heroes.

“It was pretty hard, especially mentally, but you just carry on and help each other out,” he said.

“But it was one hell of an experience and it has given me a real taste for it.”

However, the preparations for the race were severely hit when torrential rain flooded large parts of the area and it was touch and go whether the race would start.

“It was disastrous and we lost a day because of it, which made it a real struggle,” said Mr Whittall.

To make up time, the team had to trek 90km in one day – the most that anyone has ever done in the competition’s history.

“That was tough, especially the night stage, but I didn’t meet anyone who said they didn’t enjoy it,” he said.

The 30-year-old plans to do the St Michael’s Hospice half marathon on May 17, and is due to take part in 24-hour marathons in France and Namibia within the next year.

n Meanwhile John Hudson, from Leominster, will spend a week in the Sahara as he joins other fund-raisers in raising money for people with Parkinson’s disease.

He was inspired to take part by his wife, Pauline, who has the condition.

“I’ve got my hiking boots and have been practising,” said the 67-year-old, who lives in Newlands.

“I’ve been passed fit by the doctor and hopefully I’ll be able to manage the heat and humidity.”

John will fly to Ouarzazate in Morocco before embarking on daily six to seven-hour walks across the desert.

He is hoping to raise more than £2,000 during November’s trip, with the 40-strong group he’ll be walking with set to raise about £100,000.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him can call 01568 613280.