A former regional daily editor is set to run more than 250 kilometres across the Sahara Desert for charity.

Bill Martin will compete in the Marathon Des Sables, in Morocco, to raise funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Bill edited the Plymouth Herald and Western Morning News, as well as more recently serving as Reach plc’s marketplace publisher in the South of England, before leaving the industry last year.

He is aiming to raise £10,000 for Parkinson’s UK becuase his father-in-law John was diagnosed with the condition 15 years ago.

Bill, pictured, will run over the course of seven days while carrying everything he needs, including food and sleeping gear, in his backpack.

An experienced marathon and ultramarathon runner, has has being running at least 30 miles per week to train.

Bill told the Herald: “The distances don’t phase me, I’m more worried about the heat and running in the sand.

“So, I’m working with a personal trainer on improving my strength, endurance, and preparing as much as possible for the race. I didn’t expect to enjoy the training as much as I am.”

“John is 80 now and I’ve seen first hand how Parkinson’s has affected him over the years.

“Parkinson’s is a difficult condition to deal with, everyone experiences it differently and it’s progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time. It’s important to me to fundraise to help find a cure for this horrible condition.”

Kirsty Berrigan and Rebecca Landolt, heads of regional fundraising at Parkinson’s UK, said: “We are so grateful to Bill for taking on this incredible challenge for Parkinson’s UK.

“With more than 40 potential symptoms, Parkinson’s can devastate lives. We’ve made huge breakthroughs in the past 50 years, but there is still no cure and current treatments are not good enough.

“We hope that this fundraising challenge inspires you to get involved with Parkinson’s UK.”

Anyone wishing to sponsor Bill can do so here.