Join Andy Long in the Ultimate Virtual Challenge This April, Andy Long is taking on one of the toughest endurance events on the planet — the Marathon des Sables. From 5–11 April, Andy will cover an incredible 268km across six stages, battling extreme heat, sand dunes and complete self-sufficiency as he crosses the Moroccan desert. It’s a challenge that pushes both body and mind to their absolute limits. Andy isn’t doing this just for himself. He’s aiming to raise £70,000 to support two vital areas: funding the MND Carer Coordinator within the Essex NHS Trusts and strengthening Challenging MND’s core services, which provide direct support to individuals and families living with MND across the UK. Why this matters 💜 MND Carer Coordinators play a crucial role in Essex, acting as a single point of contact for families navigating a complex and overwhelming diagnosis. They help coordinate care, guide families through health and social care systems, and provide both practical and emotional support when it’s needed most. At the same time, Challenging MND’s core service delivers immediate, practical support to individuals and families across the UK. This includes funding for: • Home adaptations• Specialist equipment• Carer respite• Family breaks• VR headsets to create meaningful moments and lasting memories By fundraising for both, we ensure families receive joined-up specialist support locally, alongside direct financial help nationally — improving quality of life at every stage of the journey. Take on the challenge virtually You don’t need to be in the desert to take part. Join Andy virtually and take on part or all of the 268km during April, walking or running at your own pace. • Take on a single stage, multiple stages, or the full 268km• Join individually or as part of a team• Complete your distance anywhere, anytime during the challenge Stages include 32km, 40km, 32.5km, 100km, 42.2km and 21.1km. Compete, connect and climb the leaderboard 🏆 Participants will appear on a live leaderboard tracking distance, pace and funds raised. Whether you’re chasing the top spot or simply challenging yourself, this event brings motivation, friendly competition and team spirit — all while making a real difference to families living with MND across Essex and the wider UK.