THE godmother of a disabled Whitchurch girl has completed a tough six-day ultramarathon in the Sahara for charity - and raised almost £9,000.

Andrea Millar completed the Marathon Des Sables (MdS) in April which is known as the toughest footrace on earth.

Her goddaughter Zoe suffers with Cerebral Palsy, is deaf, has learning difficulties and is physically disabled on the left side of her body.

Whitchurch Herald: The terrain was tough and gruelling.The terrain was tough and gruelling. (Image: Andrea Millar)

The money raised by Andrea will go to the disability charity, Scope.

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Andrea spoke about dealing with the heat and sandstorms during the fundraiser and mentioned how Zoe inspired her to carry on.

Whitchurch Herald: 1085 competitors started the Marathon des Sables.1085 competitors started the Marathon des Sables. (Image: Andrea Millar)

She said: "I have completed the legendary MdS, the toughest footrace on earth. I still have no words to describe my emotions, or feelings right now.

"It pushed me to my absolute limits and it very nearly broke me at times. 

"I survived sandstorms, 50-degree heat, severe blisters, rationed water and learnt some real survival skills.

"The heat was so fierce and intense, the days were long. I had some highs but some extreme lows. The race really was brutal on so many levels.

Whitchurch Herald: The Marathon des Sables is known as 'the toughest footrace on earth.'The Marathon des Sables is known as 'the toughest footrace on earth.' (Image: Andrea Millar)

"But I crossed the finish line in complete bits but gained my finish medal.

"Zoe, my goddaughter, was my true inspiration and I am very proud to have been able to raise this money in her name."

Currently, Andrea has raised £8,680.

Whitchurch Herald: 764 people finished the race.764 people finished the race. (Image: Andrea Millar)

She mentioned that 1,085 runners started the race on stage one and after the completion of the charity stage, 764 were confirmed finishers.

Andrea said that Zoe doesn't allow physical difficulties to prevent her from taking part in challenges.

Whitchurch Herald: The days were long.The days were long. (Image: Andrea Millar)

She said: "She is physically disabled on the left side of her body, but she doesn’t let any of that stop her too much.

Whitchurch Herald: Temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius and the heat was intense.Temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius and the heat was intense. (Image: Andrea Millar)

"She takes on all sorts of challenges including dances in competitions with her dance school team and she has recently performed in her first duet dance.

"There is no stopping this girl.

Whitchurch Herald: Water was rationed while she was taking part.Water was rationed while she was taking part. (Image: Andrea Millar)

"She has so much strength and determination and deals with her disabilities daily without complaining, constantly smiling and being the most awesome and inspiring young lady that constantly makes me proud, this one is for you."

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Zoe's mother, Sally thanked Andrea for taking on the challenge.

She said: "We tracked her on the tracking app all the way across.

Whitchurch Herald: Andrea learnt survival skills while in the Sahara Desert.Andrea learnt survival skills while in the Sahara Desert. (Image: Andrea Millar)

"Zoe was really proud that Andrea did it for Scope in her name. We are really proud of her and think she is amazing."

You can still donate to ANdrea via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Andrea-Millar-MdS