Liberty Leasing’s Dan & Ed Prepare to Traverse the Sahara for Sophie’s Legacy

03 March 2026

Southampton, UK – March 2026 - Liberty Leasing’s Dan & Ed Prepare to Traverse the Sahara for Sophie’s Legacy Southampton, UK – March 2026 – Liberty Leasing’s Dan Randall and Ed Ockleford are preparing to take on one of the world’s most demanding endurance events, the Marathon des Sables (MDS) Legendary 2026, in support of Fareham-based charity, Sophie’s Legacy.

Travelling to Morocco on 3 April, with the race beginning on 5 April, the pair will cover an extraordinary 250 kilometres across the Sahara Desert over just seven days, in temperatures that can soar to 45°C by day and fall close to freezing at night. The MDS Legendary is famous for its intensity and self-sufficient format, requiring participants to carry all their food, clothing, and kit on their backs throughout the entire distance.

While both Dan and Ed have taken part in trail and ultra-distance events in recent years, this will be their toughest challenge to date. Adding to the significance of this year’s event, the challenge is celebrating its 40th edition – something particularly meaningful for Ed, who will turn 40 while out in the dunes.

The pair are taking on the challenge in support of Sophie’s Legacy, the Charity of the Year for independent asset finance provider Liberty Leasing. The local charity was founded in memory of Sophie Fairall, who was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer rhabdomyosarcoma at just nine years old and tragically passed away a year later.

Sophie’s Legacy works to improve the hospital experience for children and their families across 12 hospitals and 40 wards along the south coast — from ensuring parents are fed and supporting play specialists, to enhancing healthcare training to better recognise the signs of childhood cancer and campaigning for vital research into childhood cancer nationwide.

The finance sector, wider business community, and local community, are encouraged to get behind the challenge and show their support.

To support the fundraising effort, donate via JustGiving:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/traversing-the-sahara-for-sophies-legacy

Ed Ockleford, Head of Technology at Liberty Leasing, said:

“I’m proud – and slightly nervous – to be taking on the MDS Legendary with Dan this April in support of our Charity of the Year, Sophie’s Legacy. We’re doing this to support a charity that is making a real difference closer to home... Let’s do this!”