Hampshire army veteran on four-week countdown to epic Sahara run for military charity

By Elsa Waterfield
Published 27th Mar 2023, 17:46 BST
Updated 27th Mar 2023, 17:46 BST
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A Hampshire veteran is set to run 250km across the Sahara, with the goal to raise £250,000 for a military charity.

Brian Wood is making his final preparations to run the iconic 250km Marathon des Sables challenge across the Sahara Desert which starts on April 23.

Brian is on a four-week countdown to this epic race – the third and final long-distance challenge for the former Colour Sergeant and Military Cross recipient. The veteran ran 25 marathons in 25 days in November 2021 and last autumn ran 35 marathons in 35 days – including four on the Falkland Islands.

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The 42-year-old from Whitehall near Bordon has raised more than £172,000 for Walking with the Wounded (WWTW), a charity helping veterans who have been mentally or physically wounded get back on their feet. With one final challenge in southern Morocco – acknowledged as the toughest footrace on earth – he hopes to hit £250,000.

Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.
Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.

‘The fact is that the conditions are so extreme and inhospitable that only 47 per cent of the 1,000 runners actually complete the seven-day course across the endless sand dunes, mountains and white-hot salt plains,’ said Brian. ‘And as if that wasn’t enough you have to carry what you need to survive on your back, which probably weighs about 10kg, so it’s absolutely vital I have the proper preparation.’

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Fareham based IT company, Matrix, was the first to step up to the plate with support for Brian, but more support is needed. Nic Cronin, the MD of Matrix, got to know Brian through their love of football and have formed a firm friendship.

Nic said: ‘Brian has done the most incredible job and supporting him for this race is a privilege. Rest assured we’ll be tracking his every mile at our headquarters in Fareham I would urge other local companies to also help if they possibly can.’

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Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.
Brian Wood, from Whitehall, Bordon, is on a four-week countdown to his race across the Sahara Desert in April.

Mr Wood, who is married with two boys aged 13 and 18, was awarded a Military Cross for gallantry in combat for his actions during the Battle of Danny Boy in Iraq in 2004, which was turned into a film shown on BBC2. A mural named Woody’s Walk by local artist Ryan Brudenell was unveiled at an underpass in Bordon in September last year as a tribute to Brian’s achievements.

To support Brian visit givepenny.com/brianmds.

Related topics:Brian WoodHampshireFareham