Hi, my name is Martin Bolton and I am undertaking a Sahara Trek in connection with the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice, in order to raise some much needed funds to continue their great work.

What on Earth am I doing? It is a question I ask myself! I have volunteered to walk about 50km (30 miles) through part of the Sahara Desert over the course of 4 days. Temperatures hopefully no greater than 35oC, camping out each night without shower or toilet! A challenge for my physical, mental, and comfort zones.

The main motivation is in memory of my beloved wife, Fenella. Fenella had great skill in finding me a challenging experience, so I feel it is fitting that I undertake this with her, as always, in my thoughts.

Fenella was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (stage 4) on 28th April 2022, and died just 10 ½ weeks after. Each day the hospice’s palliative care team were there for us with advice and support to help keep the terrible pain at bay, thus allowing Fenella some comfort. She slipped away peacefully and with dignity, her boys (Sam & James) and myself by her bedside. I cannot thank those wonderful nurses and doctors enough. Pancreatic cancer is so hard to detect usually too late to treat, so it is vital that the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice remains with open doors and open arms to care for those with terminal illness.

But this terrible cancerous shadow has struck our family before so I will not be making this memorial walk alone. My nephew, Alex Whitefield, joins me, his mum Heather was an elder sister to Fenella. She died when Alex was only 14 and being that Heather and Fenella shared a close motherhood bond it is doubly cruel for him.

Please note that I am paying for the travel costs, a pin in the map to make Fenella proud, so ALL money raised will go to the charity.

I should be honoured and greatly appreciate any sponsorship to encourage me to train and endure the 50km trek under the desert sun. Whatever you can give, I am truly grateful.

Naturally I would consider any corporate sponsorship such a company name on the T-shirt I would wear and would be happy to discuss the arrangements direct as to donation and kit branding.

I appreciate that you have taken the time to read my story. I will post regular updates as to training progress.

For Fenella,

For Love

Martin