SEEND businessman Nick Keen has completed the challenging Marathon des Sables five-day run across the Sahara Desert to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Charity.

Mr Keen, 51, from Rusty Lane Farm, was persuaded to enter the challenge by his neighbour Sarah Chard, the UK organiser of the event.

Mr Keen keeps himself fit and was confident that he could complete the 161-mile ordeal.

He faced temperatures of up to 51 degrees Celsius as the race progressed across sun-baked sand and rock. But that was not the end of it.

Mr Keen said: “One morning we woke up to a sandstorm that went on for four hours, followed by thunder, lightning and torrential rain, which turned the sand to mud. Then, a little later on, the sun came out again and it was sand once more.

“When the race started it was a lot harder, tougher and hotter than I had anticipated but I got used to it and it wasn’t too bad.

“I had a couple of blisters and lost a few toenails but other than that I did well, compared to some.”

Ten per cent of the 850 starters did not complete the challenge and the first aid tents along the route were kept constantly busy.

Mr Keen came in 369th. On day one, competitors had to run 23 miles, with 26 miles to finish on day two and 24 miles on day three.

They had to complete the final leg of 52 miles within a 34-hour time frame. Mr Keen did it in just over 16 hours.

He said: “It’s all to do with having the right mental attitude. It is, above all, a mental challenge, but if you approach it in the right way it is doable.”

Throughout his preparation for the challenge, Mr Keen has had the support of his wife, Sarah, and their sons Harry and Tom. He also had the advice of Doug Veitch of Devizes, who completed the course last year.

Mr Keen is raising money for prostate cancer and has spread sponsor forms around the village and beyond. He also has a website, www.justgiving.com/Nick-Keens.

He said: “I have no idea how much I have raised, as the money is still coming in.”