The Marathon des Sables for Saint Francis Hospice

There are tests of endurance, and then there is the Marathon des Sables (MDS). Often described as "the toughest footrace on Earth," it is a 270km journey across the Sahara Desert, where runners must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying their own food and supplies through scorching heat and shifting dunes for seven days.

For Glen Anderson, who has just returned home "safe and sound" from this gruelling journey, the motivation to keep moving through the desert heat was far more powerful than simple athletic ambition. It was about legacy, family, and a promise made over a decade ago.

"What started as a one-time tribute has transformed my life. In 2019, I signed up for a charity spot in the London Marathon to honour my beloved brother Gary, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in 2014 after spending his final months at Saint Francis Hospice. That race ignited a passion - I’ve since run multiple marathons worldwide and conquered several ultramarathons, all while raising awareness for this incredible cause."

Glen’s efforts are backed by the incredible commitment of the YJS Charitable Trust. Since 2014, the Trust has partnered closely with Saint Francis Hospice, with total donations set to exceed £250,000 by the end of 2025.

The Trust’s most recent gift covered the full cost of running the hospice on Christmas Day 2025, ensuring that local people facing the toughest of Christmas holidays -  were supported by Saint Francis Hospice when they needed it most.

While Glen has conquered the dunes, the hospice faces a steep climb of its own. Saint Francis Hospice receives only 28% of its funding from the government. To continue providing life-changing services free of charge, they must raise nearly £8 million annually through the generosity of the community.

The funds raised through Glen’s MDS challenge go directly toward:

• Nursing: Providing expert care in the hospice and in service users homes.

• Emotional Support: Helping loved ones navigate the grief and complexity of serious illness.

• Dignity and Comfort: Ensuring every person in our care is treated with respect, regardless of their background.

"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our long-term corporate partner, YJS Trust." Said Nooranna Sikder, Coprorate Parternships Manager at Saint Francis Hospice. "Their commitment over the years has made a lasting difference to Saint Francis Hospice, helping us provide vital care, comfort and support to individuals in our care and their loved ones when they need it most. Partnerships like this are truly at the heart of everything we do, and we sincerely thank Glen and the YJS Trust for standing with us on this journey." 

Glen has finished the race, but the work of Saint Francis Hospice never stops. You can celebrate Glen’s massive achievement by contributing to his mission. Every donation - whether it funds a counselling session or a nurse's visit- makes a tangible difference to someone in our community.

Support Glen’s journey here: Glen Anderson is fundraising for YJS Trust