In October 2012 I will be facing one of my biggest challenges ever by going on a trek through the Sahara Desert to raise vital funds for Isabel Hospice in eastern Hertfordshire, the place where I have volunteered/ worked since 2003.  When I embark on my trek we will be in the tenth year since losing my sister Jane to cancer at the age of 43. 

 

In the last few weeks of her life Jane was cared for by her local hospice, and looking back I simply can’t imagine how we would have coped without their wonderful support.  People often talk about life-changing experiences, but I can honestly say that our experience at that time has completely changed my life, as it would never have crossed my mind that I would end up being so passionate about the hospice movement and with a career in hospice fundraising.  Now I simply can’t imagine doing anything else. 

 

I am sure that the trek will be both challenging and uplifting.  One of the reasons that I have chosen to do this particular trek is that we will be spending our first couple of days working on a hospice project in Marrakesh, where we will be helping to improve the environment of care by painting, gardening or whatever they need (although my carpentry skills are limited!)  We then head out into the desert where we will spend 4 days walking a distance of about 50 miles across a mixture of sand dunes and rocky terrain in temperatures ranging from 40° during the day to 0° at night, when we will be sleeping in tents or under the stars.  I am sure it will be a time of incredible highs and lows, and will be a huge challenge both physically and mentally.  It is a challenge that I am taking very seriously, and I am already training at the gym and doing lots of walking in preparation for it.

 

I know that we are all feeling the pinch in these difficult times and are being asked to support a multitude of good causes, so I am grateful for anything that you feel able to sponsor me.  The cost of my trek is already covered, so every penny of sponsorship will go towards the care of patients and their families living with life-limiting illnesses in eastern Hertfordshire.  As someone whose family has been on the receiving end of hospice care, I can assure you that anything you feel able to give will make a very real difference to the families in the care of Isabel Hospice.

 

I am dedicating this trek to Jane, and she will be uppermost in my thoughts throughout that time.  As I write this, I can just imagine her saying to me ‘Of course you do know there’ll be no wine in the desert.’  Well, I did say it was going to be a challenge!