After a week away from home, a group of charity fundraisers has returned from the Sahara Desert, jubilant in having raised tens of thousands of pounds for a local charity close to their heart.
The trek was tough on many with the sun beating down on them as they walked 50km across the hot sand. There was time for some fun though as they rode camels for a short part of the journey and got to know each other and recharge over dinner around the campfire each evening.
Dave Morris, who recently completed a 24-hour Pilates challenge as part of his fundraising for the challenge said: “The Sahara trip was simply one of those stunning, amazing, once in a lifetime things to have done. But the fact it was for the hospice and with an amazing team of people sharing that together made it all the more special. The spirit of us trekking as a team and supporting each other mirrored the ethos of the hospice itself in a beautiful way.”
Hannah Fluck took part after a friend of hers was cared for by the hospice team and said: “We discussed trekking the Sahara with her as she was being cared for and to be able to undertake the challenge alongside those who had made such a difference to her in those final months was extra special. Winchester Hospice is such an extraordinary place, it has been an honour to be able to help them raise precious funds. It was worth every blister!”
The team of 22 has collectively raised over £76,000 by challenging themselves to the desert trek, money which will be used to care for local people living with terminal illnesses.
Jo Westerman, Fundraising Officer at Winchester Hospice who accompanied the team on the trek, said: “It was an absolutely incredible experience and we’ve made friends that will last a lifetime. Many of those taking part were doing so because a loved one had been cared for by the hospice team and it was nice to be able to sit around the campfire in an evening and hear the stories of their lives.
Mark Hainy, Head of Charity at Winchester Hospice, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part for embarking on this Sahara Trek challenge, and for doing so with boundless enthusiasm and energy. This unique experience will, I hope, stay with everyone for many, many years to come. Collectively the challenge has raised an absolutely astonishing and humbling amount in donations for Winchester Hospice and, on behalf of everyone at the charity, I sincerely thank everyone who took part.”
The full team of 22 that took part in the Sahara trek and helped to raise a phenomenal amount of money for Winchester Hospice is: Sarah Ansty, Julie Blackwell, Clare Coidan, Nicola Cook, Donna Coombs, Rebecca Cox, Andrew Dollin, Callum English, Bonnie English, Hannah Fluck, Julie Luke, Charlie Manley, Caitlin Marsh, Dave Morris, Lynne Shepherd, Iain Steel, Claire Tan, Gail Wakeham, Allison Warren, Jo Westerman, Zoe Wild and Wendy Yaldren.
If you’re feeling inspired, Winchester Hospice will be embarking on a further overseas adventure in September 2026. The charity is now looking for people to join them as they trek over 100km of the Camino in Spain, a popular pilgrimage for many. Those interested can find out more at winchesterhospice.com/camino
