His health hindering dreams to partake in an ultramarathon in Death Valley, Mark Sharp refuses to give up the charity fight

Mark Sharp's seemingly endless struggle to raise a bit of charity cash would make a riveting documentary script. With one drama after another he's managed to soldier through the setbacks, be they physical, bureaucratic or otherwise, and put himself on the line to raise funds for others in need.

No sooner had OffBeat carried our piece on Mark's courageous recovery from ulcerative colitis two issues ago, was he back in hospital suffering again, with his training for the Badwater Ultramarathon in the United States scratched on doctor's orders. And in an ironic twist of fate, Mark was told it was his training that was preventing his participation!

"I was quite shocked at the news, but in another sense relieved as I had initially feared the worst. I was worried people might have to start running to raise funds for me!"

Doctors diagnosed endurance athletes' reversible colonic ischemia, a rare condition caused by dehydration.

"It seems the ulcerative colitis that hospitalised me last year might have been misdiagnosed. After I recovered, I trained for the Badwater and was doing well until the same problem struck me like a brick a couple of weeks ago. Finally, doctors have given me some explanations. I need to drink plenty of fluids and get back to full strength slowly."

He may be out of the run, but Mark's pledge to raise cash remains and he's calling on the Force to assist. He has helped organise the Challenge Against Cancer Double Marathon with the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. Slated for July 29 at California Fitness Centre in Causeway Bay, each team of 10 will run 84 kilometres on treadmills in a tag format. The aim is for each team to raise $20,000, or $2,000 per participant.

Cancer survivors and celebrities were already lining up to participate and Mark called on Force colleagues to follow suit.

"This is really gearing up to be a fantastic Sunday of fun and fitness. Force officers are renowned for their good health and benevolence and I dearly hope to see a Police team or two, or more, joining in for this good cause, upholding the Force's healthy lifestyles policy and showing our community spirit," Mark said.

Cancer Fund Chairman Sally Lo also encouraged officers to take part, hailing the Force's civic-mindedness.

"It is an honour to be working with Mark Sharp and the Police to raise vital funds for cancer research projects in Hong Kong. The Challenge Against Cancer is a tough challenge, but so too is cancer. In both cases, it is with the support, encouragement and care of people around you that helps overcome these challenges."

For entry forms and information, contact the Cancer Fund on 2868-0780 or visit www.cancer-fund.org, or call Mark on 2814-4426.

Entry deadline is July 6.

Keep it healthy: PTS Senior Physical Training Instructor Mark Sharp and the HK Cancer Fund's Sally Lo encourage officers to partake in the run