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Sahara Trekkers
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Trekkers |
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Update reproduced by permission of RH10 Uncovered
Over the past 18 months 5 women from Crawley Down in West Sussex have been in training to face a challenge of a lifetime to do a 10 day trek across one of the most inhospitable places on earth - The Sahara Desert - to raise money for CLIC Sargent - the UK's leading children's cancer charity.
Their team consisted of Shona Coleman, 37, Liz Coulter, 40, Karen Richardson, 31 , Claire Merison, 39 and Kim Simpson, 43. Unfortunately due to an accident 2 weeks prior to departure Claire Merison broke her foot and ended up in plaster and was unable to travel to the Sahara to be with us in person - though they will all say she was definitely there in spirit
RH10 Uncovered wanted to know more and went to find some answers….
Why the Sahara? "The idea of the trek all started over a couple of glasses of wine when Kim mentioned that she had read somewhere about 3 housewives who did a trek across the Sahara. Before we knew it we were training, fundraising, packing and then off"
Why CLIC Sargent? "Two reasons, every day 5 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer or leukaemia. CLIC Sargent keeps families together when the unimaginable happens and aims to see a world where children and young people with cancer live life to the full. Even a few pounds can make all the difference and mean that CLIC Sargent can continue their invaluable work supporting children with cancer and their families".
What preparation was needed to get you fit for your trek? "Lots of walking, going to the gym and cycling"
What was the most difficult part of the trip? "The heat reached up to 47 degrees one day but did average around 45 which made walking quite hard work - also made the bottled water very warm which was fairly unpleasant! We had a sandstorm on day 2 which was very hard going and a little scary and left us with sand "everywhere".
Any hilarious moments? "I have to say we laughed the whole time we were away - many moments like Karen tripping over her sandals and falling flat on her face and Kim falling 'slow motion' through bushes only made these moments funnier but spirits were high. The Bedouins were like little kids trying to catch us out with lots of pranks. I think that rather than test the friendship it brought us all closer
How did you keep in touch with your families back home? "Due to Claire being unable to go on trek she remained our constant link back home where we would text her via the satellite phone and she would update friends and family as to our progress
Can people still sponsor you or donate to CLIC Sargent? "Yes absolutely, anyone can still donate online at www.justgiving.com/sand and click "sponsor me now". This facility will be available until 23rd June2006. Alternatively, you can send cheques made payable to "CLIC Sargent" c/o Shona Coleman, Griffin House, 161 Hammersmith Road, London W6 8SG.
Any final message? "A huge thank you to all those who have supported us through our fundraising and helping us get our target of £10,000. The local community and local pubs at Crawley Down, Turners Hill and Ardingly have all been fantastically supportive and we definitely couldn't have done it without them. We would like to thank them on behalf of both the Team and CLIC Sargent
Updates.
Text: 27 April Good mornings walking as breeze makes it feel cooler. Huge thunder and lightning storm overnight. Everyones still laughing a lot despite hardwork.
Text: 26 April Short walk this morning due to Bedouins sleeping in! Looks like another sandstorm on the way lots of blisters. Fab scenery
Text: 25 April Good days walking today. Yesterday too hot 45 so very hard. Today thunderstorm! All in good spirits
Email from Claire:24 April I have had a phone call yesterday from the girls they could only manage walking till 12 mid day yesterday as there was rather a long sand storm, all are well will keep you posted when I next hear from them.
Text: 22 April Last time using mobile. Just heading off by truck to meet our camel train (14 camels) and guide amor 4 hours into the desert. Starting walk after lunch. Few nerves but much excitement. Shona.
Verbal: 21 April. They arrived safely in Tunisia minus one member who broke her foot a couple of weeks ago.
A group of 5 friends from Crawley Down will be flying out to Tunisia on the 21st April 2006. They will drive out to Douz, known as “the Desert Gate”. Douz is the most famous oasis to the south of Chott Djerid - an extensive salt flat with water only in its lower areas. From Douz they will set out on foot for a 10 day 150 mile trek into the Sahara Desert to raise money for CLIC Sargent.
CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading children’s cancer charity. CLIC Sargent was formed from the merger of CLIC and Sargent Care for Children in January 2005. Both of the organisations have a rich history of excellent care and support. Together, CLIC Sargent is both stronger and more effective providing more for more children and young people with cancer and their families
All 5 women, who have been in training for their challenge say that they are really excited, if not a little nervous, about their trek. The said ‘the thought of walking for a 10 day stretch in heat that can reach 45° at midday, climbing vast amounts of sand dunes and temperatures that can drop to as low as 5° at night is a little daunting. But we have been in training for several months now and hope that it will not be too gruesome!!!’
The team of 5 are:
Shona Coleman, 37 (Head of Services, CLIC Sargent)
Liz Coulter, 40 (Insurance Claims Manager)
Karen Richardson, 31 (Veterinary Business Manager)
Claire Merison, 39 (Retail Assistant Manager)
Kim Simpson, 43 (Animal Carer).
They are hoping to raise a minimum of £10,000.
Sponsorship forms are available from The Royal Oak and Video n’ Vino in Crawley Down and The Red Lion in Turners Hill. Alternatively you can sponsor them online at www.justgiving.com/sand and click “sponsor me now”. Every penny helps!
This page of the Crawley Down Village website will be updated with details of their progress as and when news is available.
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