A brave Hitchin firefighter has spoken about his experiences when taking part in one of toughest physical challenges on the planet, saying he feared he would die.

Former Hitchin Boys' School pupil James Rossano Bull spent three years preparing for Morocco's Marathon Des Sables, which is considered to be the toughest footrace on earth.

Ultra-fit former Hitchin fire station boss James, who is now head of operational assurance at the fire service, had been due to take on the challenge last year, but the race was cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

The event in the Sahara Desert finally took place last month, but was plagued by tortuous, blazing temperatures which led to the death of a runner.

The heatwave conditions were so fierce that the mercury went beyond 56 degrees in the Sahara.

To make maters worse, those taking part were also struck low by a debilitating gastrointestinal bug that swept through the competitors.

The infections were so bad, nearly half the number of athletes were unable to complete the course – with more than 400 dropouts in total, making it the highest failure rate in the race's 35-year-history.

In addition, the race's own medical director confirmed nine athletes ended the race in comas.

However, tenacious James is set on taking part when the gruelling event returns next spring.

Not least because he aims to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity – which helps many thousands of serving and retired fire service personnel and their families in times of need - meaning big-hearted James is determined to finish the race when it is held again next year.

Despite having to drop out of October's race, which he admits, nearly killed him, the inspirational firefighter has already raised nearly £7,000 through generous donations from friends, family and well-wishers in Hitchin and far beyond.

James, who has been in the fire service for 21 years, is single-mindedly steadfast in his ambition to complete the race, despite a similar ultra-event in China reporting 21 deaths recently.

With the tortuous event now re-arranged for April next year, James is already preparing for his next super-human endurance effort for his return to the course that covers more than 250km of the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco.

"I would like to thank everyone for your generous donations," said humble but determined James, adding: "That has really helped me get through the dark days since returning.

"Despite the horrors of this year, I am returning in March and will honour your donation."

Read Nub News this weekend for our in-depth interview feature with James as he recalls the horrors of the trip, as he gears up to return to keep his promise to raise funds for such a vital charity - in his amazing bid to conquer the toughest race in the world.

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