A SUPER-FIT school teacher has completed a gruelling charity run through an African desert.

And now he is appealing for help to collect a huge fund-raising total to make it all worthwhile.

Deputy head David Lloyd, aged 38, pushed himself to the physical and mental limit to finish among the top 100 competitors in the 150 mile race through the Sahara desert.

Now back at Christ's Church Harwood CE School, he said: "For the first day it was a race, then it became an adventure.

"It was an unbelievable challenge dealing with the terrain and the baking heat. By the end my feet were shredded and full of blisters. I was completely physically exhausted but it was a fantastic experience."

During the seven day event Mr Lloyd shared tents with runners of various nationalities and was humbled by the dedication of disabled athletes who battled through the desert.

The BEN first reported on Mr Lloyd's charity bid when he was training last November. He has already collected some cash for the Rainbow Trust which provides facilities for children with short life expectancies and their families.

He said: "I'm hoping more people or businesses will get in touch. I'd like to raise in the region of £5,000 to make all the effort really worth it."

Sponsors can call Mr Lloyd on Bolton 526196.

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