The 32 years old son of Peter and Vivienne Lacey, deacons at Lapford Church, Devon, is preparing for a six-day 151-mile run through hell to help buy two 4X4 vehicles for two Christian pastors working in the most testing environment of West Africa.
Charlie Stacey works with Alpha for Forces, busy travelling the world for the unique Christian training course. He is also a keen runner, having last year completed the daunting 'four peaks' run, climbing the highest mountains in the UK.
Members at Lapford Church are being asked to support Charlie, a married man, on his six day run due to start on April 12.
He writes in the Lapford Newsletter.
The Marathon Des Sables covers 243km (151 miles), run over six days - the equivalent to five half regular marathons. In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration. Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. I will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 49°C (120°F), running on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 -20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
On the 4th day, I will set off across the barren wilderness to complete an 82km stage. Few people complete this before dark that evening and some will not come in till after dark the next night. This is followed by the 42km Marathon stage! I've been warned in the strongest terms that it's tough!
Why am I entering?
In 2009, as part of my role as relationship manager for Alpha for Forces I have had the privilege of staying with two West African families, in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Both these countries have been decimated by recent civil wars, the impact of which is harrowingly evident.
My hosts, Pastor Joseph Francis Williams (Sierra Leone) and Pastor John Aaron Wright (Liberia) have been engaged in bringing transformation to their respective countries. They live without electricity and running water in the home, yet were beyond generous in sharing what they had with me. I was struck by their passion, diligence, determination and selfless commitment.
Since my visits I have had a deep conviction that I need to try and help them. The one resource that they both desperately need is a 4x4 vehicle. I want to raise enough to buy one for each of them, as I have seen that this will greatly enhance their work.
Both these countries have experienced bloodshed and brutality on an unprecedented level. Nobody there has been left unaffected by the fierce fighting and savage atrocities of the recent past. I have witnessed first hand the tremendous personal sacrifices that Pastor Joseph and Pastor John are making to bring healing to their war ravaged nations.