A BROADWAY dentist will be heading to Africa’s largest desert in April to take on the toughest foot race on earth.

Dr Mark-Steven Howe, who lives in Sedgeberrow, will fly to the Sahara in April to compete in the 28th annual Marathon Des Sables in support of the Air Ambulance.

He will join about 1,000 people taking part in the 156- mile challenge which equates to about six marathons in six days.

The dentist, who works at Broadway Dental Care, said: “Looking after your feet will be important and not believing you are indestructible. I have done iron man events before. I just have to get on with it. It is all about pacing yourself.”

The rules of the race mean participants must be selfsufficient and carry everything they need to survive with them on their back except water.

They are given a place in a tent to sleep at night, but other equipment and food must be carried.

Dr Howe, who was in the air force for five years, says he hoped his patients would pop into his High Street surgery to sponsor him.

For more information on the race, visit marathondessables.co.uk