Suffolk dad Andrew Greenwell to take on the Sahara Desert

Andrew Greenwell, who runs Capel St Andrew Farms, will be facing the third biggest desert in the world and gruelling temperatures when he takes on the 156-mile event.

The 39-year-old, who lives near Woodbridge, has signed up for the Marathon des Sables (MdS), a six-day event covering the distance of six regular marathons.

The dad-of-two, soon to be dad-of-three, said: "I'm looking forward to it and decided it was something I wanted to do around 18 months ago.

"I've always done a certain amount of exercise and running, but it's nice to have a challenge to focus on and work towards.

"It seemed like a great challenge in a part of the world I probably wouldn't have the chance to go to otherwise."

Andrew Greenwell with his family. Credit: EACH (Image: EACH)

Mr Greenwell has been training for the past nine months to ensure he is fit enough for the race.

The race comprises of roughly a marathon a day for the first three days and then a double marathon on the fourth day, with a rest day after.

Then another marathon will be completed, followed by a final six miles on the last day.

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Mr Greenwell said: "It's going to be tough physically, but also mentally, because of the distance and solitude."

Contestants also need to carry their own sleeping bag and coat for night time, along with a sleeping mat and food.

Andrew Greenwell will be completing 250k through the Sahara Desert. Credit: Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

He will be raising money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices.

He said: "The EACH hospices are local to me and it's a fantastic and very worthy cause.

"I'm excited about raising money and awareness and it's nice that I can do something positive for EACH, which is so crucially important for so many families."

A JustGiving page has been set up for people to donate to.