Desert ultra-runners raise over £70,000 in aid of WWTW

The 40th edition of the Marathon des Sables (MDS) Legendary ultra-endurance event has concluded, with a team of 25 runners representing Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), raising more than £70,000 to support those who served.

The Marathon des Sables Legendary is an ultra-marathon held in the Sahara Desert, where participants cover approximately 250km route over 6 days. To mark the events 40^th anniversary, this year organisers introduced a new 100km stage as part of the route.

This year, over 30,000 participants took part in the event, including the 25-strong WWTW team, which was the largest charity team in the race, and every member crossed the finish line. The team were supported by Rory Coleman (Coleman Coaching), who completed his 19^th MDS this year.

The WWTW team included Ray Gilbey, 68, a Royal Marine veteran who completed the race in military kit; Sheridan Lucas MBE, who finished the World's Toughest Row in January and crossed the MDS finish line after completing the World's Toughest Footrace; and Emmanuel Bresson, who raised over £14,000 and ran the race in memory of his 10-year-old son, Gaspard, who lost his battle with cancer.

Four of the WWTW team finished in the top 20 British runners: Greg Dove (who was the 2^nd fastest British runner overall), Tom Guthrie, Tomos Ireland-Life and Jonathan Humphrey. As a team, WWTW placed 8^th out of 41 teams.

Tony Hulton, WWTW CEO, said “Congratulations to the WWTW Marathon Des Sables Legendary team for completing the 40^thedition of the ultramarathon and for raising an incredible amount to support our Armed Forces veterans and their families.

The Legendary is a test of both physical endurance and mental resilience. The team will no doubt have faced immense challenges whilst running through the Sahara desert, but the amount they collectively raised will make a life-changing difference to those we support.

Thank you for pushing yourselves above and beyond, and for choosing to raise funds to help veterans across the country.”

Nic Crabtree, WWTW 2026 MDS team member, added, “Completing the 250km Marathon Des Sables pushed me to my absolute mental and physical limits, but I couldn’t have done it without the lads I met along the way. As a Royal Navy veteran, supporting Walking With The Wounded gave every step purpose, reminding me the hardship was temporary compared to the battles many face daily.

It has been a privilege to wear the shirt and represent a charity that stands shoulder to shoulder with those who’ve served, those still serving and their families.”

The MDS Legendary 40th Edition team included: Dean Gilsenen (RAF veteran), Dan Connolly (ACG), Greg Dove (ACG), Jasmine Woodford (ACG), Patrick Vinters (ACG), Charlotte Rogerson (ACG), Thomas Guthrie, Ray Gilbey (Royal Marine veteran), Nicolas Crabtree, Tomos Ireland-Life (veteran), Joe Lush (veteran), Jamie Ings, Lee McCombie, Andrew Hooker, Jonathan Humphey, Wes Lewis (veteran), Will Pattinson, Andy Pantelli (veteran), Lloyd Simon, Will Pattinson, Jean-Pierre Helliwell, Matt Hammond and Sheridan Lucas MBE (serving).