Going the Distance: Why PR24 is backing Derek McEwan’s Ultimate Desert Challenge
From Saharan dunes to 24/7 property triage, endurance is a shared value. PR24 is proud to sponsor Derek McEwan’s Marathon Des Sables challenge for the Catherine McEwan Foundation. Read the story behind our partnership.
At Property Response 24, our world is defined by 24/7 readiness. We pride ourselves on being the steady hand when things get tough. However, this April, we are incredibly proud to support someone taking the concept of endurance to a place most of us can only imagine.
We are officially sponsoring Derek McEwan, Chief Executive of the Catherine McEwan Foundation, as he takes on the legendary Marathon Des Sables.
The Toughest Footrace on Earth
The Marathon Des Sables is a brutal test of human spirit. Known as the toughest footrace on the planet, Derek will be tackling approximately 150 miles across the Sahara Desert.
Participants carry their own food, bedding, and supplies for six days in temperatures that frequently soar above 50°C, all while navigating shifting sand dunes and rocky terrain. It is a challenge that demands meticulous preparation and an unbreakable mindset – qualities we admire deeply.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Property Response 24 has been working with the Catherine McEwan Foundation as our main charity partner since 2021. Our Managing Director, Caroline Gunn, has a connection to the Foundation that began with a life-changing moment in 2018. When her son was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), the Catherine McEwan Foundation became a lifeline.
“When you are navigating the complexities of IBD as a parent, you realise quickly that you aren’t just looking for medical answers, you’re also looking for a community,” says Caroline. “Derek and his team have built that community. Supporting him as he heads into the desert is our way of standing by a Foundation that has stood by my family and so many others across Scotland.”
– Caroline Gunn, Managing Director, Property Response 24
The Catherine McEwan Foundation
The Catherine McEwan Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults living with Crohn’s and Colitis across Scotland. From funding pioneering research to providing practical and emotional support, the charity makes a life-changing difference to families navigating these challenging conditions.
Derek’s trek across the Sahara is a powerful metaphor for the journey many IBD patients face: a long, often difficult path that requires immense resilience, but one that is made easier when you know you have a team behind you.
Join Us in Supporting the Journey
As Derek prepares to lace up his gaiters and face the dunes, the entire team at PR24 will be cheering him on from slightly cooler climates. We invite our partners, clients, and friends to please join us in supporting this incredible cause. His fundraising page can be found here: https://catherinemcewanfoundation.enthuse.com/pf/derekgarymds2026
Every penny raised helps the Foundation continue its vital work in transforming IBD care in Scotland.
