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 250km 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.
Glen’s journey started in 2014, when his beloved brother, Gary, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gary spent his final months at Saint Francis Hospice, receiving the specialist palliative care and empathetic support that the hospice is renowned for across Havering, Brentwood, and West Essex.
In 2019, Glen signed up for a charity spot in the London Marathon to honour Gary. That single race started a passion for running that has since seen him conquer multiple marathons and ultramarathons worldwide.
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.
Nina Anderson recently shared the news of Glen’s safe return, marking the end of a brutal seven-day physical test but the continuation of a beautiful charitable legacy.
"Glen has tackled the heat and the endless dunes," says Nooranna Sikder, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the hospice. "We are so incredibly grateful for his participation and for the continued, unwavering support of the YJS Charitable Trust."
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 and the Hospice here:
