Dad to run Sahara race on day his baby is due

Wife Charlie is due to give birth on March 27 - the start of the Matathon des Sables, a gruelling run of 156 miles across the Sahara Desert.

Shane is hoping the run will raise 10,000 for the NSPCC and has the backing of Uckfield Community Technology College.

Mr and Mrs Hemsley, of Windmill Hill, have two girls; Frankie, 6, and Mia, 4.

They know the baby due to be born at the end of March is also a girl.

'When we realised I could be away we wanted to be together when we found out if it was a boy or a girl,' Mr Hemsley, aged 39, said.

He said his wife was very supportive of him and was 100 per cent with him all the way.

Competitors in the race are required to carry all necessary survival equipment (except tent and water) on their backs across terrain known as 'possibly the most hostile on the planet', in temperatures ranging from 4C by night to 50C by day.

In Shane's backpack will be minimal food, freeze-dried food, cooking equipment, sunglasses and a first-aid kit.

You can see him often running the lanes around Dallington and Bodle Street with a backpack on as he tries to complete up to 50 miles a week in training.

'But as far as the heat is concerned, you can do nothing. You have to be mentally prepared and you know it will get tougher and tougher as it goes on,' Mr Hemsley, a former Heathfield Community College student, said.

Mr Hemsley, who works for Jemma Tools in Uckfield, said the longest stage was a day/night one of 50 miles.

The event has acquired the title 'the toughest foot race on earth'.

His motivation for taking part was hearing an extremely harrowing radio report of child abuse. It disturbed him so much, that he felt compelled to do something to aid the cause of the NSPCC and try in his own way to make a difference for the benefit of defenceless children.

His team have already raised nearly 3,500 and have until the end of March to reach their target of 10,000.

UCTC students will be raising funds through various means, including a non-uniform day (1 per student) on February 15.

Mr Hemsley hopes to keep the students informed of his progress by sending photographs as he progresses through the race.

Should you wish to make a donation, you can do so at UCTC reception or via Shane's website at http://www.beaushane.com