Sahara trek to raise funds for type 1 charity

A group are set to trek across the Sahara desert to raise funds for a diabetes charity.

It will take the 80 participants three days to cover the 50 kilometres. They are due to start their epic journey on Thursday, February 4.

They are raising funds for the Wellington Appeal, which focuses efforts towards both JDRF, the type 1 diabetes charity and the British Red Cross.

The appeal was launched in 2010 and the initial £1 million target, set by organisers, was reached in 2014 so they decided to continue until they reached £2 million.

The gruelling trip will start near Ouarzazate, which is the same location where the 1962 film Laurence of Arabia and the more recent TV series Game of Thrones was shot.

Organiser and participator, Oliver Rifkind, whose brother Leo lives with type 1 diabetes, said: “Those that know me well understand that JDRF is a charity that is very close to my family and I. Many people don’t realise that type 1 diabetes is serious and complex. I am proud to be supporting research into one day curing this condition.”

The target for the Sahara trek was £100,000 and the group have already surpassed that having so far raised £115,000.

Cressida Bramley, has raised just under £2,000, she said: “It is such a brilliant cause we are all raising money for and hopefully Team Sahara will make a significant contribution to the £2 million appeal.”

If you would like to donate to the trip, click here.