Sahara trekkers raise record amount for charity

Supporters of St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne) have raised a record £130,000 for an overseas challenge after trekking more than 50km of the Sahara Desert.

The trek proved so popular, St Wilfrid’s had to run two separate trips. In total, 52 people spent five days walking across the mighty sand dunes and scorching temperatures of Morocco, trekking the vast and diverse landscape of the iconic Sahara Desert. 

Kate Watkins is a nurse at St Wilfrid's and raised more than £3,000. She said: “The trek was an incredible adventure, and I loved it, especially sleeping under the stars. We made great friendships and laughed so much. I would love to do it again but there are so many different adventures to take on.”

Meanwhile, after Phil and Kate Jones signed up for the trek, Phil suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm which meant it was no longer possible for him to undertake the challenge. Once he was on the mend and feeling a bit stronger, Phil was determined to do something meaningful to honour the money that had already been raised, so he and Kate walked 6km from the Grand Hotel on Eastbourne seafront to the hospice in Broadwater Way, raising just over £4,000.

Jemma Campbell, Events Fundraiser, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all our Sahara Trekkers, and Phil and Kate, who have raised a record-breaking amount for an overseas challenge. Thank you for your incredible fundraising efforts, and for supporting St Wilfrid's. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.”

The hospice’s next big trek is the Camino De Santiago Trek 2027. Supporters will walk the final 100km of the French Way, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, following the centuries old paths of pilgrims. Visit stwhospice.org/event/camino-de-santiago-trek/ for more details.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides high-quality care and support for people across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and all points between) with life-limiting illnesses.