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Former England international and Northampton Saints hooker Andy Long is preparing to take on one of the world’s toughest endurance events – the Marathon des Sables – in April 2026, as he aims to raise £75,000 for motor neurone disease charity Challenging MND.
Long, who represented Saints during a distinguished professional career that also included spells with Bath Rugby and Newcastle Falcons, earned two England caps between 1997 and 2001.
Since retiring from professional rugby, he has built a highly regarded career as a performance coach – specialising in resilience, mindset and sustained high performance.
Now, Andy is applying that same elite mentality to a very different challenge; a 270km, self‑sufficient ultramarathon across the Sahara Desert.
Motor Neurone Disease has appeared to disproportionately affect elite athletes in recent years, particularly within rugby and football. High‑profile cases including Rob Burrow, Doddie Weir, Lewis Moody, Ed Slater, Stephen Darby, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence and the legendary Lou Gehrig have brought increased awareness to the condition and its devastating impact.
While research continues into potential links between elite sport and MND, the immediate need remains clear – improving quality of life and providing meaningful, practical support for those living with the disease.
Challenging MND is a grant‑giving charity dedicated to enhancing quality of life for individuals and families affected by Motor Neurone Disease. Its work ranges from funding specialist equipment and home adaptations to supporting memory‑making experiences that bring moments of joy during unimaginably difficult times.
Andy’s commitment to the charity was strengthened in 2025, when he competed in the TCS London Marathon while pushing Challenging MND founder Alex Gibson in a wheelchair, an experience that had a profound and lasting impact.
“Elite sport teaches you how to confront adversity, but nothing compares to what people living with MND face every day,” said Long.
Often described as ‘the toughest footrace on earth’, the Marathon des Sables takes place over six days, covering approximately 270km in temperatures that can exceed 45°C. Competitors must carry all their own food and equipment while navigating the unforgiving terrain of the Sahara Desert.
For Long, however, the challenge is about more than physical endurance.
“My work now centres on resilience, mindset and peak performance, and this is about putting those principles into action for something that truly matters,” he added. “We’re aiming to raise £75,000 – funds that will directly support families who need help right now.”
Donations to support Andy’s Marathon des Sables campaign and the work of Challenging MND can be made HERE.
Supporters can also take part alongside Andy by joining the virtual challenge via Challenging MND.