Dad who hates sand to take on Sahara trek

A dad who hates sand is trekking the Sahara Desert to raise money for the hospice that cares for his son.

Andrew Privett, from Leyland in Lancashire, is one of 31 adventurers who are preparing to trek 30 miles (48km) across Morocco's Erg Chegaga Dunes over six days in November.

They will face extreme temperatures, challenging terrain and long days beneath the desert sun, in the first overseas challenge for Chorley's Derian House Children's Hospice.

Andrew, whose 12-year-old son Jacob is supported by the charity, said: "I'm not a great fan of sand, so the Sahara should be one of the last places I want to go, but I've been up and down Lytham's sand dunes during summer so I can get some practice."

He said he is "looking forward to the adventure" and hopes all the recent hot weather will prepare him for the heat.

"Jacob is an amazing little boy with such strength, resilience and he amazes me every single day.

"This is a great opportunity for me to do something for the hospice that cares for my whole family," he said.

He said it was also "a chance for me to find a little bit of myself again".

"I'm a dad to Jacob but also a carer, a PA, nurse with the daily medication routine physio etc, I wanted to do something for me, and this challenge has given me the chance to do just that, and it also supports Derian House."

Andrew and his fellow adventurers will walk beside camels carrying their kit and supplies and will sleep in tents.

The temperatures could soar to around 40°C during the day before dropping to as low as 10°C at night.

"I'm expecting big spiders and bugs, but I backpacked around Australia for a year so I'm used to them," Andrew said.

The team will face extreme temperatures and challenging terrain [Reuters]

He said the charity "is a lifeline to our family, offering overnight stays for Jacob, giving us a chance to rest as parent".

It also "offers amazing facilities, counselling for our family, and support for Jacob's brother," he said.

Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House Children's Hospice, said: "I'm sure there'll be plenty of tired legs and sandy shoes along the way, but knowing that every step will help raise money for the children and families we care for will keep us going."

The hospice said it will cost £6m to run this year as it supports more than 400 babies, children and young people, along with their families, from across the North West.

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