Weston Hospicecare is inviting supporters to get involved in the adventure of a lifetime – by trekking through a stunning section of the Sahara Desert.
The Weston-super-Mare charity is organising a host of new activities and fundraisers in celebration of its 30th anniversary in 2019, including a wing-walking day and a new Men’s March, as well as plenty of returning favourites.
The latest challenge to be unveiled is a six-day group hiking challenge through the Sahara in Morocco in November.
That means if your New Year’s Resolutions included supporting a charity, seeing the world, or ticking something incredible off your bucket list, you could fulfil all three by signing up.
The challenge will run from 7-12 November, and will see participants – led by Berber guides and hiking as a team – conquer the desert landscape with the beautiful Atlas Mountains as their backdrop.
The hospice is working with Global Adventure Challenges to organise the trek, and a GAC spokesman offered a tantalising description of the challenge ahead.
They said: “Join us on this long-weekend trek for Weston Hospicecare, as we experience the beauty of one of the most breath-taking and largest deserts in the world – The Sahara.
“Our charity challenge is to trek for four days through this ever-changing landscape and to climb to the top of the massive Chegaga Dunes, where we will witness the desert sunrise.
“The days will be hot and the trekking will be tough, but we will help all team members conquer this mammoth desert.
“With traditional Berbers as our guides we’ll experience the delights of Morocco first-hand, in addition to being mesmerised by the remoteness and solitude that the Sahara brings.
“So if you want to take part in one of the most fantastic charity events, but have limited time to take away from the UK, this unique trek challenge is for you.”
The trip includes four days of hiking – with a day of travelling to and from the UK at each end too – and features a celebratory Moroccan dinner at the end of the trek.
There are two ways to fund the trip too. The first is to pay a £175 registration fee and commit to raising a minimum £1,800 in sponsorship, which covers the costs and contributes to the hospice. Or you can pay the registration fee and self-fund the trip for £900, in which case there is no minimum sponsorship, though supporters are encouraged to raise as much as they can.
Simon Angear, the hospice’s challenge manager, said: “We’ve been on the lookout for some exciting new activity ideas to challenge our supporters during our anniversary year, and think this has the potential to be a fabulously rewarding experience for all who take part.
“Sunrise over the Sahara is said to be one of the most beautiful sights on earth – the physical challenge presented by this trip will be made worth it by the beauty on offer.
“Whether you’re already a committed supporter of the hospice, or are spurred on by a desire to explore this beautiful part of the world, we would love to have you on board – so get in touch if you’d like to sign up or find out more.”
If you’re keen to learn more about the challenge, you can investigate the itinerary and other details here.
Those who are keen to sign up can do so here, or if you have questions about some of the details, you can contact Simon on 01934 423947 or by emailing simon.angear@westonhospicecare.org.uk