A 6 day, 257km ultra-marathon across the uncompromising terrain of the Moroccan Sahara, with temperatures reaching 45 degrees celsius, carrying everything you need to survive for the full six days on your back from the start. All you get, as one of the 1000+ participants to take on the race known as ‘the world’s toughest’ is water and a Berber tent to share with 7 of your compatriots. My first big targeted adventure and challenge post rugby retirement, something I’d been dreaming of competing in for 13 years.

Damian raised €7,800 for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Amani Children’s Home, Tanzania from completing the MDS.