Local charity launches exciting Sahara Trek and Community Project Challenge to help raise vital funds

Willen Hospice is inviting adventurous locals to join their free virtual information evening on Tuesday 7 September, to discover more about their new exciting challenge: Sahara Trek and Community Project.

Departing 18 – 25 March 2023, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure will challenge people to spend two and a half days trekking across the breath-taking Sahara desert, before helping at a community project. With ancient dried up riverbeds, giant sand dunes, and vast sun-baked plains for entertainment, this trek gives people the chance to step away from technology and immerse themselves in nature, culture and adventure.

After day’s walk in the heat, the group will set up camp in the desert and gather around a fire to share stories and get to know one-another. As the day draws to a close, the group will be treated to a stunning sunset followed by an unrecognisable night sky, full of stars. The walk will be led by two professional, English-speaking Berber guides, an ethnic group of nomadic indigenous people. They’ll introduce participants to the Berber way of life, sharing their excellent knowledge of the region and cooking traditional Berber cuisine.

Once the walk across the desert is conquered, the group will then spend two memorable days volunteering at a community project in Marrakech. The project supports vulnerable young people and elderly people, creating a comfortable, social environment. Depending on what is needed, the group will get involved in refurbishment, redecorating and gardening.

Dawn Clark, Challenges Fundraiser, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for local people to do something amazing and unforgettable, while supporting Willen Hospice at the same time.

The Hospice needs to raise £4.7M a year, that’s £9 a minute. Our organised challenges offer a great way to fundraise for the Hospice, while giving the person taking part memories and experiences they’ll cherish forever. This challenge certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if anyone wants to tick it off their bucket list, then I’d encourage them to join our free information evening to find out more.”

The information evening will take place on Tuesday 7 September via Zoom at 6pm. It will include a speaker from trip organisers, The Different Travel Company, who will talk about the challenge and what to expect on the trip, followed by talk from Dawn Claire from Willen Hospice, who will share tips and ideas on how to reach the fundraising targets.

To find out more visit www.willen-hospice.org.uk/sahara or email challenges@willen-hospice.org.uk