Two students from Bristol University have had their places confirmed on the 2005 Marathon des Sables.

Tommy While and Ross Spackman, both third year medical students, and their team mate Trudi Knight, a former power-lifter and mother of two from Chippenham, will set out in April for Morocco to compete in a race of 150 miles across the Sahara desert over 7 days.

The race has over 600 competitors from 25 countries and takes place in six legs, the longest of which is 50 miles.  It will take competitors across some of the harshest terrain on the planet, from huge dunes to rocky flats, all in intense heat.

Temperatures vary from 120°F at midday to close to freezing at night. Competitors also have to carry all the food and equipment - except water - that they need for the whole event.

“People think we’re mad taking on a challenge like this,” said Ross. “Perhaps we are, but we know there will be people at home cheering us on.  We will also raise a lot for the National Autistic Society which is great news for them.”

The link with the charity is Tommy’s younger brother. He is one of more than half a million people in the UK with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. The three hope to raise well over £10,000 and are already on their way with sponsorship from NatWest and Lucozade.

For those wishing to find out more or to sponsor the team, please contact them via their website www.teamextreme.org.uk  or email: sponsorship@teamextreme.org.uk