A RUNNER has completed the ‘toughest footrace on earth’ in aid of St David’s Hospice.

Simon Dimmer, 54, completed the Marathon de Sables this month in aid of the charity which provides hospice care to over 2000 people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Mr DimmerSimon, who now lives in Gibraltar, decided to complete the ultra-marathon after becoming aware of the important service they provide from his time living in Monmouth.

The accountant completed the 166 miles race across the Sahara desert in just six days from April 11 to 17, raising over £400 for the charity.

Mr Dimmer, who is originally from Portsmouth, said: “Running across the Sahara is one thing, but if I want to give up, I just stop and someone will pick me up.

“Cancer, that’s a much tougher fight and so running for the hospice is an easy choice.”

But this isn’t the first time that he Mr Dimmer has competed in this extreme race for St David’s Hospice, as the fundraising enthusiast completed the race just last year.

The race saw Mr Dimmer compete in temperatures reaching 50C.

He was even put on to a drip at one point as a result of the heat high temperatures, where he had three litres of liquid put back into his body after competing.

“All in all, it was a wonderful experience,” he added.

“You meet inspiring people and hear some great tales”

Mr Dimmer spent six months training for this hefty event by switching between long distance running and interval training.

He also had to lose weight as well to make the run as bearable as possible.

Christine Vorres, who works for the fundraising department of St David’s Hospice has said “We are completely in awe of Simon’s achievements.

“The Marathon de Sables is one of the toughest races in the world and he has now done it twice to support St David’s Hospice Care.

“By undertaking this challenge, and raising funds Simon is helping the hospice to continue giving people in our community a real choice of where they receive their end of life care.”

To sponsor Mr Dimmer go online and visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Dimmer/