Sahara trek raises £40,000 for Hospiscare

Trekkers on the first ever Hospiscare Sahara Trek Challenge are celebrating after raising £40,000 for the local Exeter charity.

Twenty two intrepid trekkers endured searing daytime temperatures, chilly nights, a sandstorm and even spent an evening teaching the hokey cokey to their local Berber guides!

Celia Wilkinson, Hospiscare running and challenge fundraiser, said: “We only walked for three days instead of the planned four because of a massive sandstorm which appeared from nowhere, it was nice and sunny and blue skies, then it went quite dark and the wind got up. As our tents blew away we spent more than four hours walking with sand blasting our faces onto the next site. We were such a talkative group it was strange when you could not hold a conversation. We sheltered in mud huts at an African campsite.

“It was very special at night time looking at the vastness of the black canvas sky covered in stars; that was amazing. One night our guides performed music for us on empty water drums and we were dancing away; then it was our turn to teach them the hokey cokey which they loved!”

Camels carried food, water and tents and every day the team walked an average of 20km. Temperatures during the day reached 40 degrees and dropped to zero at night. Bread was baked in hot ashes, accompanied with pasta, rice, vegetables and fish. The main drink was freshly made peppermint tea.

The walkers were a mixture of Hospiscare supporters, people from local businesses and people wanting a taste of adventure. They enjoyed the experience so much they are planning a re-union in the New Year.

Trekking the Sahara proved an easy challenge for mother and daughter Tracey and Aimee Adamou, having previously completed the Three Peaks Challenge. Last year they conquered the highest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales, in just 24 hours.

“This was definitely easier,” said Aimee. “It was a lovely experience and very different. It was a really nice opportunity to have a challenge, to meet new people and help a brilliant charity. The most challenging part was living rough and not having any washing or toilet facilities.”

Hospiscare nurses cared for Aimee’s grandad Brian at his Exeter home. Brian, who was Aimee’s father-figure, died aged just 60. Aimee is the eldest of 24 grandchildren.

“That was heart breaking for our family, he was a huge part of our family and Hospiscare was brilliant ensuring he was as comfortable as possible. We want to help other people have that same care.

“It had such an impact losing grandad; we were close. It was a massive shock and we are just grateful to Hospiscare for its help. Hospiscare also provided bereavement support to my gran, phoning her and checking on her. Both mum and gran have volunteered for Hospiscare.”

Mia Williams and her brother Mario walked in memory of their dad who was looked after by Hospiscare nurses and doctors.

“It was challenging. I’m not really a walker and this was the first walk I’ve done. I was out of my comfort zone,” said Mia who lives in Exeter.

“It was not really what I expected; the terrain was so different, walking along river beds, dunes, river banks and rock climbing. The sandstorm was slightly worrying you could not see, walk or talk!”

The siblings arrived home on what would have been their dad’s 71st birthday and 11 years after his death in the Exeter hospice.

“The staff provided care 24/7 for him and they were brilliant. We did the walk for him,” said Mia who works for BT in Exe Bridge offices, as a phone repair adviser. Her brother Mario went to the Hospiscare trek open evening and signed them both up immediately and paid the deposit.

“I’m glad he did because I would probably have not done it otherwise,” said Mia who has collected £2,000 for Hospiscare.

Hospiscare has announced its next challenge – walking the Great Wall of China in October 2016.

To take part in this amazing experience you will need to raise a minimum of £2,950 in sponsorship, with a registration fee of £350.

An information evening will be held in March 2015. Contact Celia Wilkinson to find out more: c.wilkinson@hospiscare.co.uk