AN AVIVA worker has completed a gruelling 155-mile foot race across the Sahara Desert in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Former professional rugby player Brian Gabriel was back working at the company's York base in Wellington Row yesterday less than a week after finishing the Marathon Des Sables.

Mr Gabriel, 48, raised £12,500 for the charity after completing what many say is the world's toughest foot race in 52hrs 32mins 18secs.

"I feel a bit tired and a bit sore and I am bit sunburnt, but apart from that, everything is OK," said Mr Gabriel, who is director of corporate benefits.

"It was just part of a mid-life crisis. You can either do this or get a Harley Davidson!"

The six-day race required runners to carry all their kit, aside from water and a tent, with Mr Gabriel's rucksack weighing 10kg.

Although he had previously run six marathons, the ex-Leicester, Nottingham and Bedford player was less experienced than most of his fellow competitors.

"I only entered in October last year after my mother, Pat Gabriel, passed away from cancer, which was why I supported the charity," said Mr Gabriel.

"It was a bit daft really because most people train for two years."

Mr Gabriel, from Nottingham, said dealing with the 50-degree desert heat was the hardest part of the race, while the 57-mile fourth day left him with severe blisters.

He added: "I had to cut the front off my shoes to complete a full marathon on the last day!"