Charity Trek Across Sahara Desert For University Communications Manager

A team of intrepid explorers from across North Wales will trek the Sahara desert to raise money for a cancer hospice.

Martin Williams, communications manager at Wrexham Glyndwr University, is among the small group to face the challenge this November for St Kentigern Hospice.

The six-day expedition takes place just days before Martin’s 40th birthday, and he is hoping to raise at least £2,000 for the St Asaph charity.

“It’s going to be a tough trek, but I’m really looking forward to it,” said the dad-of-three, from Prestatyn.

“In total we will be trekking around 35km, which doesn’t sound much but over the epic Chigaga Dunes that will be quite a hike.

“It’s an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful parts of the world and raise money for a worthwhile cause, so I hope readers are able to support me – I would really appreciate it, as would St Kentigern Hospice.”

He added: “The days will be hot, and the walk will be hard-going, but the rewards of being part of one of the best fundraising events around, conquering this desert and the pleasure of having the volcanic Anti-Atlas Mountains as the backdrop will be worth it.”

Martin will arrive in Ouarzazate, Morocco, before transferring to M’hamid, the gateway to the Sahara via the Draa Valley.

Next up is a trek over the Bougharn Dunes and on to the Chigaga Dunes, where he will witness one of the world’s most spectacular sunsets.

The journey then takes the group on to Erg Aghaul – a gruelling eight hours of trekking – before arriving at Foum Zguid.

Temperatures during the day will reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, and drop to zero at night.

A spokeswoman for Chester-based Global Adventure Challenges said the expedition is one of its most difficult, but also among the most exciting.

“We wish Martin all the best with his training and fundraising ahead of this challenge of a lifetime to conquer the mighty dunes of the Sahara Desert,” she said.

“It really is a fantastic trip that is always popular with our challengers as they get to experience the delights of Morocco whilst discovering the remoteness of the Sahara first hand.

“Camping under the moon and stars is a real challenge highlight, along with witnessing the sun rising over the sand dunes – it’s a moment they’ll remember forever and a chance to reflect upon their achievements whilst on the challenge.”

Laura Parry, fundraising manager at St Kentigern, added: “We would like to thank Martin and everyone taking part in the challenge. It sounds like it’s going to be some adventure, and we are so grateful for every penny raised towards the hospice.”

St Kentigern Hospice provides end-of-life care to adult patients in North Wales. All of the hospice’s services are completely free and delivered by a dedicated team of professional nurses, volunteers and administrative staff.

You can register for the challenge via the Global Adventure Challenge website. To sponsor Martin, visit his Justgiving page.