But dragging the runner through the blistering conditions will be his desire to make some money for West Derby based baby hospice Zoes Place.

He has already amassed nearly £3,000 and is aiming for a £10,000 total.

He said: "I’m from Middlesbrough and Zoes Place only has three branches - two of which are here and back at home.

"It was the natural choice and is very important to the Former Players Association."

Now he just has the unenviable task of running up to 50 miles a day through some of the most inhospitable terrain there is.

Making things even more tricky, he will have carry his own kit weighing up to 20kgs over ground that even takes in the Atlas Mountains.

As well as a baseball cap that comes with a Legionnaire’s style neck guard he will wear a wrist-watch style GPS and heart monitor helping him stay on track and in shape.

It seems incredible that he decided to get involved after sitting down in front of the TV little more than 12 months ago.

He said: "I watched the last race on television and thought I’d like to do that.

"But there’s a four year waiting list.

"It’s only when someone in the office said their father-in-law was doing it and made a phonecall that I got accepted."

Since then he has been putting in 50 miles a week and working on his upper body.

Mr Kane jets out on March 26 and is looking for anyone who can help raise cash for the baby hospice to visit www.justgiving.com/saharafool.