A Douglas man is preparing to take on the world’s most challenging foot race for charity.

Peter Fisher, aged 38, will be running approximately 155 miles through the Sahara Desert as part of the Marathon Des Sables, to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Noble’s Hospital.

The event will begin on April 8 and finish on April 14 in south Morocco, with participants racing for six days while carrying their own food and equipment.

Peter, who has described the cause as something ’close to his heart’, said: ’I’m raising money for the SCBU as I think it’s an amazing place and the people who work there are heroes.

’My niece, upon being born in Noble’s, encountered some very serious complications early on and if it wasn’t for the SCBU team she probably wouldn’t be here today.

’I’ve set myself a target of £5,000 with Barclays bank, who I work for, matching pound for pound up to £1,000. I’m up to about £2,500 now. However, the trip is entirely funded by myself.’

When asked if he has ever taken on an ultramarathon before, he said: ’No, definitely not, as I find it pretty easy to get lost.

’I’ve always liked a challenge and I’ve completed marathons previously. It was the next challenge that appealed to me and I wanted to raise money for the SCBU, and so I thought this was an ideal opportunity.

’I am also currently looking at a jungle marathon and Arctic marathon next year, which I will do for another charity on the island. My wife thinks I am crazy,’ he added.

For training, Peter says he runs a minimum of four miles per day, while wearing a backpack with bags of flour weighing at 8-9 kilograms.

’Since I entered the Marathon Des Sables (French for Marathon of the Sands) I have incorporated beach running and a lot of hills to replicate the sand dunes. With pack at weekends I look to complete 20 miles per day,’ he explained.

You can visit www.everyclick.com/petersmdschallenge for more information.