St Thomas More High School

Oman Desert Marathon Fundraiser

Next Saturday, Martin Palmer, father of Sonny Palmer 7D, will be joining 100 runners from 15 different countries, taking part in The Oman Desert Marathon; a race across lots of sand and dunes from the Alwasil Oasis of Bidiyah and crossing the finish line on the shores of the Arabian Sea; carrying everything needed for the 6 days except water and shelter.

“Panic has not yet set in, but now to put some effort into making my selfish challenge generate some benefit for others. A big week lies ahead in the deserts of Oman. Raising a bit of money off the back of my sweaty efforts would be a wonderful way to raise awareness for The OSCAR CampaignThis campaign funds two research teams at The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

The OSCAR Campaign is named after our friend Oscar who went through a dreadful five years, which started just after he turned three in 2002. After two bouts of leukemia, two bone marrow transplants, one stem cell transplant, one spleen removal, five brain hemorrhages, one broken spine, two spells on a life support machine and frankly much more. Guess what? The little bugger survived and is 'living proof' of why it's worth donating to childhood cancer research. If he'd been ill only a year or two earlier, without question, he would have not survived. Oscar and his family did manage to get through it but not without the help and huge support from researchers, doctors, teachers, nurses, physio therapists and friends. Oscar is now studying to be a chef and is a young leader at our Scout troop.

If my emotional arm-twisting and story has persuaded you to sponsor me, then click here to donate and find out more about the charity and challenge that lies ahead….

Give if you can, share with your friends and family! I am sure we all know someone who has visited, been treated at or supported through difficult times by GOSH. Their research into treatments does make a difference and I am personally very proud to support GOSH in particular via the OSCAR Campaign.

Visit the OSCAR Campaign to see what great work has been done and continues in the name of Oscar and you can watch Oscar's story on the X Factor TV programme from 2009

http://www.gosh.org/events-and-appeals/appeals/oscar/background-oscar-campaign

Again my Just Giving page is at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/MartinPalmer-ODM16 which I am trying to add photos and stories to make it slightly interesting and give me material to keep campaigning out.  You might be seeing this on Facebook.

Thank you so much for your support, 
Martin

We wish Martin the very best of luck in his challenge and look forward to hearing all about it on his return!