Two firefighters showed they could handle the heat when they completed a 156-mile ‘ultramarathon’ in the Sahara Desert for charity.

Sonja Hoeben and her partner Conan Bluitt ran the Sultan Marathon Des Sables, in Morocco, for Homeless Action Barnet and The Orangutan Foundation Protection – raising £1,900.

The marathon took place over six days and nearly 1,400 people took part.

The couple, who are based at Stanmore Fire Station, decided to take part to test their fitness and raise money for good causes.

East Finchley resident Ms Hoeben, 42, said: “It was really hard work. But when you get that medal, it’s so rewarding.

“We stayed in tents in the desert, and couldn’t get that much sleep. We had sandstorms most nights. It was cold, sand everywhere.

“I really enjoyed it though. You make friends for life.”

Speaking about Homeless Action Barnet, she said: “The charity relies on donations, and they do really good work there. They help people to get back on track. I think people forget how close you can be. Anything can go wrong in your life and end up on the streets. You never know what’s going to happen.

"It’s very important to me so I thought I need to raise a bit of money for that one because it’s close to my heart.”

To visit the couple's justgiving page, click here.