Dundalk Democrat Article

David to compete in Sahara Race

LOCAL lad David Lysaght, Rock Road, Blackrock, is currently in training for the Sahara Race, a seven-day, six-stage, 250-kilometer footrace across the Sahara Desert of Egypt. David will compete on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society and is currently seeking assistance with fund raising,

“I am getting some people and ideas together at the moment.  I hope to raise €50,000 for the Irish Cancer Society so I would be grateful for any assistance in reaching that goal”

The feat which has been named by TIME magazine as one of the Top 10 Endurance Competitions in the world will take place in October but David is no stranger to adventure having completed several endurance expeditions in the past supporting his favourite charities along the way,

“I started a couple of years ago with the Peru Trek which I did on behalf of Concern, then last year I did Everest Base Camp for an Autism School in Drogheda and this year I climbed six of the highest mountains in Ireland over a three day period.  I started in Donegal with Mount Errigal, went to Slieve Donard in County Down, then on to Wicklow and finished up in Kerry”

The Sahara Race is a six-day, 250-kilometer footrace and each individual must also carry his or her own gear, food and clothing in a backpack with average backpack weighs about 20 pounds.  David who enjoys a regular exercise routine seems undaunted by the task,

“I am hoping to get in some hot weather training before October to prepare me for the heat.  I am generally a fit person.  I used to do a lot of sailing but these days I run three times a week and go hiking as often as I can manage it”.

“My motivations for doing the race are very strong.  I want to raise as much money as I can for the Irish Cancer Society, I also want to do it on behalf of my Mum and Dad and finally I want to show people that anything is possible.  I have a mild disability and I have suffered from depression but I want to show people how you can come through all of that and come out the other side”.

If you want to follow David’s adventure in the run up to and throughout this amazing race you can follow his blog on www.charityvoyage.com.  If you would like to offer any assistance in helping him to raise sponsorship for the Irish Cancer Society then you can give him a call on 086 3400802 or email lysaght.david@gmail.com