A marathon runner from Johannesburg,South Africa will take part in a gruelling six-day run through the Sahara desert to raise money for victims of landmine blasts.

Jane MacKinnon aims to net R100,000 for the Mineseeker Foundation thanks to sponsorship from friends, family and medical colleagues – and the money will pay for ten amputees to receive prosthetic legs at Mineseeker’s mobile clinics.

The 250km Marathon des Sables begins on April 4, which coincidentally is UN Landmine Awareness Day.

“I’ve been following the activities of the Mineseeker Foundation for some time and thought it an incredibly worthwhile cause to raise money for,” says Jane.

“As a physiotherapist, I have a strong affiliation with medical causes and know that getting an amputee on to a prosthetic limb can be life-changing as well as making a huge difference in terms of economic independence.”

Jane is an experienced marathon runner, having taken part in a stage race in the Kalahari and a run across the Alps involving no fewer than 11 peaks.

“The Marathon des Sables will coincide with my 50th birthday, and it will be a great way to celebrate,” adds Jane.

“I love a challenge and I get a tremendous kick out of raising funds for a good cause.”

“We’re delighted that Jane will be raising much-needed funds for our mobile clinics,” said Mineseeker Foundation founder Mike Kendrick.

The Mineseeker Foundation, based in the UK and South Africa, was founded by Mike Kendrick in 2001, when the former CEO of Virgin Airship and Balloon Company devised a means of detecting landmines using sophisticated radar detection carried by airships.

Nine years on, the foundation continues to seek ways of aiding landmine victims whilst working simultaneously on landmine detection and eradication thanks to its sister company Mineseeker Operations UK Ltd. It plans to use a unique ground penetrating radar system that can detect landmines from an aerial platform – now a small plane or helicopter, rather than an airship – and accurately map minefields, detailing affected areas.

Further information: Liz Roseblade 07966 406618/01746 76886, liz@mineseeker.com.