Dorset hospice gets £40k boost as supporters trek across Sahara Desert

A group of 27 took on the hike last month in aid of Weldmar Hospicecare, raising more than £43,000 for the charity.

This will be added to the £67,000 which was raised from a previous trek in November 2022.

The group slept under the stars and trekked through sandstorms to help raise the funds for the charity which will go towards the end of life care for adults in Dorset.

Clare Ash, Weldmar fundraiser, led the team and said: “I am extremely proud of the fantastic team of trekkers that I had the pleasure of supporting throughout their journey.

"They have all overcome many challenges, and have made so many lasting friendships and memories.

“So many of them have had personal reasons for taking part in the trek, having had loved ones cared for by Weldmar.

"Remembering the reasons why they were doing it has helped them throughout their training and fundraising, and helped them raise such an amazing amount so far."

Participant Gillian Young took on the challenge in memory of her brother and enjoyed the experience. 

She said: “It was a truly wonderful experience and I am so glad I did it. This trip will be in my memory for a very long time to come.

"We had an interesting mix of people, all different ages, and they all had a great time which is down to the support from Clare and the Weldmar Team.”

The £110,000, raised by both treks to the Sahara, will go towards many different aspects of the charity's work.

It will pay for 24 hour care for six patients at Weldmar’s inpatient unit; care in the comfort of a patient’s own home, and bereavement support for nine families.

To mark Weldmar Hospicecare's forthcoming 30th anniversary in 2024, the charity has announced two more overseas challenges for supporters to participate in.

In November 2024, they will be embarking on a journey to the island of Madagascar, and in March 2025, Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.weldmarhospicecare.org