CHARITY trekkers will depart this weekend for a five-day hike through the Jordanian desert to raise funds for a Worcester-based hospice.
On Sunday, March 17, a group of 16 fundraisers will fly to Jordan to embark on their trek to the world-famous archaeological site, and historic city – Petra.
At the same time, a team of six will embark on a virtual version of the challenge in Wales, taking on an eight-day, 136-mile walk along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.
The Worcestershire trekkers are raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice, with their collective fundraising total currently at £39,363, after costs.
Sofia Gunster, Events and Community Fundraising Lead, is part of the group setting off to Jordan this weekend.
“This is set to be an incredible experience and one I’m especially looking forward to as part of such a great group,” said Sofia.
“The team has been working hard to train for this challenge, alongside raising a truly fantastic amount to help us continue funding our care for patients and families.”
The route begins in Wadi Feinan and finishes at Petra, with the group returning to the UK on Monday, March 25.
The challenge will see the team walking between six and eight hours a day, for five consecutive days, through stony, desert landscape, camping each night.
Among those taking on the challenge are three members of the hospice’s clinical teams: Julie Reece, Head of Community Nursing, Nicci Lane, In-patient Unit Staff Nurse, and Helen Gander, In-patient Unit Senior Staff Nurse.
St Richard’s is also planning a Trek the Alps trip for 2025 which will offer supporters the chance to hike through three countries in three days.
To find out about the hospice’s other events, including Trek the Alps, visit www.strichards.org.uk/events