Willow Wood's once-in-a-lifetime Sahara Trek challenge has been one of the fundraising victims of the pandemic, with the event now rescheduled for November.
Last week a Zoom Information Event was held to give those interested in taking part of flavour of what to expect on the six-day expedition.
Experienced guides from Skyline Events explained in detail what the challenge will entail.
Looking forward to stepping out across the sands and challenging herself on behalf of the hospice is Willow Wood Denton Reddish Lane shop manager Rosie Molloy - who was the very first to sign up for the trek.
She is now busy training for it with her son who is a personal trainer and has also signed up.
Rosie reached her milestone 50th birthday last year and was looking to give something back to Willow Wood, where her mother-in-law was cared for.
Rosie explained: “My mother-in-law was cared for at Willow Wood, and after seeing the difference that care made to her final days, I became a volunteer, before being lucky enough to be appointed as part of the retail team - and becoming the manager at the Denton shop.”
Rosie added: “I first came into contact with Willow Wood eight years ago when my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast, brain and lung cancer.
“Unfortunately, it was too far advanced for any treatment other than palliative care, so she was referred to Willow Wood’s day services.
“It made such a difference to her; she really loved it and became far more relaxed and accepting of her condition.
“She took part in arts and craft sessions, could chat with other patients, she even had her hair done. We all could see a big change in her, it was wonderful.
“As her condition progressed, she needed more and more care. I had worked as a carer and took the decision to give up my job to look after her – it’s very hard to see someone you love going through that, and I didn’t want any of her immediate family to have to undertake the personal care she needed.
“Although we were very close it’s not quite the same and, in a way, I felt privileged to be with her at that stage in her journey.”
When her mother-in-law finally went into the hospice, Rosie said: “She immediately seemed to relax and you could see she was at peace.
“She wasn’t there long; in fact, less than a day but it helped so much. She was calm, serene and we were able to let her go knowing there was no better place she could be, and no better care for her anywhere.
“As soon as I was able I started to volunteer in one of the hospice shops and now, around eight years later I’m managing our newest shop.
“I’m so proud to work for Willow Wood, but I know just how much it takes to run.
“I was the first to sign up for the Sahara Trek. Yes, it’s an incredibly tough challenge, but together the team of us taking part will be raising thousands and thousands for Willow Wood, so every single bit of training, every drop of sweat, will be worth it.”
The trek is now scheduled to take place between November 5-10 this year, with participants walking for up to six hours each day on the shifting sands of the desert, camping underneath the stars and eating traditional Berber cuisine.
Accompanied by the ships of the desert, the camel, these majestic creatures will transport all the necessary equipment and provisions for the adventure.
Experienced Berber guides will be with you every step of the way, as will a qualified doctor and a Willow Wood representative, to ensure that the trek runs smoothly and without incident.
You will see some of the largest dunes in the area, including those of L’erg Zahar, also known as the screaming dunes due to the eerie sound made by the wind whistling across the sand.
However, your guide may tell tales of the village buried under the sand when you make camp for the night!
If you missed last week’s Zoom session but would like to take part or just find out more visit https://www.willowwood.info/support-us/events/sahara-trek
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