Update:

Together with just about the most kindly, wonderful people I have ever had the fortune to meet, we have been up and down dunes over a 4 day period. Together with camels and goats, we saw the sun rise over the landscape. 

Without trees, it resembled nothing I've ever seen before. Over the 8 hour walking days we walked over long dried up river beds, desert rose plantations, tumbleweed plains and lots and LOTS of sand!

Each night we arrived in camp to find a large mess tent already up with Berber tea brewing inside. Our guides and cooks provided us with fabulous food, despite the very basic cooking conditions. And they gave us some cool entertainment on the last night under the stars (a real cultural exchange!)

We slept out under the stars (although tents were allowed for the wusses in the group!) wearing almost all the clothes we had brought with us. 

During the day the temperatures rose to over 40C. Immense heat, but definitely all walking and NO sunbathing.

We came across some kind nomadic folk, and visited a fantastic nomad school.

And finally home, with surprisingly NO blisters. Achy feet, and achy other bits - but some wonderful memories and hopefully I have made some friends for life.

This JustGiving page will stay open for a few weeks yet so please keep digging deep in aid of a great charity.

James 

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Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In November of this year I am embarking on what will definitely be the hardest thing I have ever done.

Five days in the Sahara with three days spent trekking over the desert in serious heat and sandstorms. 

Accompanied by camels and probably some less friendly things, like snakes, lizards and the odd scorpion. Lovely!

Why oh why oh why you may ask?

I am doing this to raise money for the Children's Adventure Farm Trust. 

This lovely charity provides holidays and activities for terminally ill, chronically sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West.

What they do is incredible. Please visit the website www.caft.co.uk and read about their amazing work.

I only found out about The Childrens Aventure Farm Trust a year or so ago.

I have always been interested in children's charities, but this one has struck a real chord with me.

My first involvement with CAFT was buying a few buckets for a shopping packing day Helen and co had organised at Sainsbury's. 

More recently I have thrown myself out of a plane for a sponsored tandem skydive. THAT was terrifying, but very worth it.

I have attached a couple of pics of me doing that - looking scared and rather gimpy in my silly hat. 

I am now getting into my training for the Sahara - this has so far involved lots of walking, blisters and chafing. Lots of chafing!

Training hasn't been easy, and will get more difficult. But I know it will be worth it. I know I will have an amazing time in the desert with some great people.

But more importantly I will be raising money for some very special children to do very special things.

Please dig as deep as you possibly can.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

 

James