Jeremy Maddocks (Sh 79-84), President of the Rugbeian Society, is set to take on an extraordinary challenge—running six marathons in six days across the blistering heat of the Sahara Desert as part of the Marathon des Sables. This ultra-marathon, known as one of the toughest footraces on Earth, will test Jeremy’s physical and mental endurance as he raises money for Hell’s Kitchen Ukraine, a grassroots charity supported by The Worshipful Company of Carmen, which is dedicated to providing aid to those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In anticipation of the challenge, Jeremy shared, “I want to highlight the incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those suffering from the war in Ukraine. On 4th April 2025, I will embark on the Marathon des Sables, a 156-mile race across the Sahara Desert, spread over six grueling days. Every blistered step I take will be dedicated to raising funds for Hell’s Kitchen, an awe-inspiring organization based in Kharkiv, where my son has volunteered and seen first-hand the resilience and hope they offer to a community ravaged by conflict.”

What makes the Marathon de Sables so punishing? Jeremy explains, “Imagine running six marathons in extreme desert conditions—temperatures soaring to 120°F (50°C) during the day, freezing at night, and carrying all your food and supplies on your back. The race is completely self-sufficient; water is rationed, and participants sleep in tents under the open sky. It’s as much a test of mental fortitude as physical strength.”

The training regime is gruelling. Nearly every day Jeremy heads out, running 5 miles, 10 miles, 16, 24 and finally, 30 miles per day. Carrying increasing loads and then doing more on sand and heat training. Testing equipment, different shoes, socks, gaiters and freeze-dried, high energy food to be ready for the event.

For Jeremy, the cause is deeply personal. “I’ve spent 15 years working in the former Soviet Union and Ukraine, and I have many good friends in the region. My son volunteered with Hell’s Kitchen in 2023 and 2024, and he witnessed the unwavering dedication of its volunteers. He saw them running a kitchen in the heart of Kharkiv, cooking hot meals for people under the constant threat of missile strikes and air raids. The courage and compassion of the people involved in this organization are beyond words.”

Founded by two Kharkiv residents, Luida and Egor, Hell’s Kitchen started as a small initiative to cook meals for their neighbors amid the invasion. Over two years later, it has grown into a lifeline for the city’s residents, delivering over 1,000 meals and thousands of loaves of bread each day. Beyond food, Hell’s Kitchen distributes essential supplies like medical aid, clothing, and hygiene products—often in the midst of airstrikes, blackouts, and snowstorms. As Jeremy puts it, “What I endure in the desert for six days is nothing compared to the daily hardships the people of Kharkiv face. It’s a small way for me to show solidarity with them.”

Good luck, Jeremy, from all of us in the Rugbeian Community team! 

To donate, please visit Jeremy’s JustGiving page linked here.