A KEEN runner plans to take part in the toughest race on earth to raise money for charity.
Ian Harding, 21, who works at Northern Rock's head office, in Gosforth, will run in the week-long Marathon of Sands, in the Sahara Desert, Africa, from Sunday.
Mr Harding, from Amble, Northumberland, will raise money for Cancer Research UK, because his grandfather died of the disease.
The race is run in stages over the week and he will compete with 700 people.
Mr Harding, a Morpeth Harrier, said he loved running and that the race was probably the most challenging event he could ever do.
He said: "It is also a great way to support Cancer Research UK.
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