Escape those winter blues and trek across the Sahara desert camping under the stars. A year from now that is exactly what a group of East Cheshire Hospice supporters will be doing.
There is still a chance to join them, with the end of December the deadline for signing up. Among the party will be Jo Helm, a health care assistant with the Hospice’s Hospice @Home service, husband David and son Jack.
The family have each paid the £325 registration fee and all pledged to raise a minimum of £1,990 in sponsorship for the Hospice. Jack (19) even dipped into his savings for a Ford Capri he dreams of owning to pay his share.
Jack, Jo and David Helm who are trekking across the Sahara.
The Moroccan adventure, from November 12-19, involves a 50 km trek over sand dunes in scorching temperatures. The four-day trek is followed by two days helping on a community project in Marrakech.
Contact Bethan Wade on 01625 789102 or email bwade@echospice.org.uk for more details.
Jo said: “I always enjoy a challenge and know it won’t be a walk in the park. I don’t mind the heat, unlike David who prefers it cooler.
“I’ve worked at the Hospice for a year and know how valuable it is to the community. It’s such a privilege to work there and Hospice @Home is an amazing service.”
David, a mental health recovery worker, said: “I wanted to do a trip like this when I came out of the Forces but never managed it. The Hospice is a fantastic cause and I know what Jo goes through at work and what it’s like to work there.”
The couple did a wing walk in June, conquering Jo’s fear of heights. She said: “I was scared getting on the plane and was shaking like mad. It was petrifying, but a lot of adrenaline and support from colleagues helped.
Jo and David are set for another challenge after their wing walk.
“I relaxed once I was up there and the reasons we’re doing it, and the patients we care for, made it all worthwhile.”
The Helms ran a competition to guess the weight of a pumpkin, raising £150 towards their Sahara target. Berghaus have supplied them with coats and rucksacks and Regatta have donated sleeping bags.
The Hospice offers fundraising ideas for the trip and a self-funded option is available. To register, or for more details, visit eastcheshirehospice.org.uk/events/trek-sahara/
* To sponsor the Helms visit one of the following links justgiving.com/fundraising/joanne-helm3, or david-helm7, or jack-helm1.
Back to all newsThank you so much for choosing to support East Cheshire Hospice. You may never know how much your gift means, but we know that it will make the world of difference to our patients and their families.
