A QUANTITY surveyor from the North-East is preparing for a challenge dubbed the toughest footrace on Earth.

Father-of-one Lee Maddison, 35, who lives in Shotley Bridge, near Consett, County Durham, is taking part in the Marathon des Sables in April.

The 156 mile run through the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco is the equivalent of six regular marathons and takes six days to complete.

The longest stage is about 57 miles long in temperatures as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit over rocky ground and sand dunes.

Mr Maddison is hoping to raise £5,000 for the Tiny Lives unit at the RVI in Newcastle, which cared for his baby daughter, who is six months old, but was born weighing 4lbs 6oz.

He is also raising money for St Oswald’s Hospice in Gosforth, which cared for a friend’s mother.

Mr Maddison said: “I am training 15-20 hours a week and have put a treadmill in my garage. I am fully committed.

“I am not daunted in any way. I am looking forward to meeting 800 like minded other people.”

To sponsor Mr Maddison visit his web pages www.justgiving.com/Lee-Maddison4 and www.justgiving.com/Lee-Maddison5