A former serviceman from Sidmouth has overcome the world’s toughest footrace through the Moroccan desert.

Sidmouth Herald: Baz Gorman with his medal from the Marathon Des SablesBaz Gorman with his medal from the Marathon Des Sables (Image: Archant)

Baz Gorman was one of 1,200 participants taking on the 156-mile Marathon Des Sables, tackling tricky terrains and testing temperatures over the six-day event.

The father-of-two, who was once told he would never run again, finished 560th in the race.

Baz, a former Arcot Road resident and ex-Sidmouth College pupil, said: “It hasn’t sunk in yet - there’s a sense of satisfaction having been relatively self-sufficient for over a week in the desert.

“The terrain varied every day ranging from sand dunes, dried out river beds and mountain ranges to cover, with the sand greatly reducing the speed over the ground.”

Sidmouth Herald: Baz Gorman with Duncan Slater who is the first double amputee to complete the Marathon Des Sables.Baz Gorman with Duncan Slater who is the first double amputee to complete the Marathon Des Sables. (Image: Archant)

Paramedic and clinic manager Baz also celebrated his 51st birthday during the challenge.

He said: “It was surreal. There were 1,200 people singing happy birthday at the start line. Then I walked 20 miles on the first day with long stretches of emptiness just walking into the horizon with no end visible.

“I spent most of the day on own, finding pace and ensuring not to overdo it and remaining focused.”

During the challenge, participants could lose up to a litre of sweat an hour as they walked varying lengths of 20-, 24-, 26- and 54-mile legs.

Baz, who now lives in Okehampton, was raising money for the military charity Walking with the Wounded during the challenge.

He said: “There’s a sense of satisfaction of helping former service personnel get back into civilian life and hopefully sponsorship still coming in and just short of £2,000.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BazGorman