A Cwmbran couple are preparing to walk more than 100km across the Sahara Desert to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Nathan and Ceri Edmunds fly to Morocco this weekend ahead of the five-day challenge, which will see them trek through one of the world’s most extreme environments while fundraising for the charity.
The challenge holds particular meaning for Nathan, who volunteers each week at Cwmbran House care home in Pontnewydd, chatting and playing games with residents living with dementia.
He discovered the opportunity through Aneurin Bevan University Health Board’s Ffrind i Mi (Friend of Mine) volunteering project.
100km to 120km
The couple expect to cover between 100km and 120km during the trek, as organisers say the route may change depending on local conditions.
They have covered the full cost of the trip themselves, meaning all donations will go directly to the charity.
Their fundraising page says: “This will be an incredibly personal, physical, and mental challenge for us.
“Walking long distances in extreme heat will push us well beyond our comfort zones, but it’s a challenge we’re genuinely excited to take on for such an important cause.
‘Self-funded’
“The trip is entirely self-funded, which means every penny raised goes directly to Alzheimer’s Society to support their life-changing work.”
The pair are packing carefully to cope with the changes in temperature between day and night.
Nathan said: “The day is above 30c and at night it can fall to sub-zero. So shorts and wicking T-shirts in the day, and hoodies in the night to keep warm. It’s two extremes.”
As well as completing the challenge, he is hoping to document the experience with his camera.
He said he is looking forward to “capturing as many memories as possible” and hopes to take photographs of the night sky away from light pollution.
Last Sunday, the couple volunteered at Alzheimer’s Society’s supporters’ stall in Cardiff Bay, cheering on runners raising money in the Cardiff Half Marathon, an event they have supported previously for the charity.
Before heading to Morocco, Nathan will also take part in an event as part of his volunteer role as an ambassador with Cancer Research UK. Cancer charities in Wales have invited Members of the Senedd to a cross-party event in Cardiff Bay to share more about their work.
Last Friday, he was presented with the Adult Volunteer of the Year award at Torfaen Voluntary Alliance’s Community & Volunteer Awards event at the Parkway Hotel.