A young couple will take on the challenge of what is described as “the toughest footrace on Earth” next year as they head off to Morocco to compete in the Marathon des Sables for charity.

Gibraltarian Karl Alvarez and his partner Sarah are busy training for the grueling event and raising money in a bid to reach their target of £14,000 for the charity Hope. Hope is a UK-based charity that helpsorphaned and exploited children in some of the world’s poorest countries. 

The marathon takes place in temperatures of over 50C and runners need to cover a distance equivalent of five and a half marathons in five or six days, a total stretch of some 251 kilometers.

To keep up with Karl and Sarah, follow them on Twitter @KarlandSarah and give generously via their Just Giving donations page: www.justgiving.com/karlandsarahrunmds