The Sahara Desert will play host to more than just endurance and breathtaking landscapes this November. A growing number of athletes and advocates are taking on the challenge of a 100km trek across the Moroccan sands, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for vital cancer research and support organizations.
Among those preparing for this arduous journey are participants in the CoppaTrek! with Gi, organized by CoppaFeel! and led by Giovanna Fletcher. This trek, scheduled for , aims to support CoppaFeel!’s mission to ensure early and accurate breast cancer diagnoses in young people. The route will traverse Morocco’s Jebel Saghro region, encompassing rocky plateaus, dramatic ascents like Jebel Zereg, valleys, dry riverbeds, and oases, culminating in the town of Ouarzazate.
The Sahara trek isn’t a new concept for fundraising. Jackie Scully, a breast cancer survivor, is preparing to undertake a similar 100km challenge to mark a decade of being cancer-free. Scully’s journey is a deeply personal one, dedicated to the memory of a friend who also battled breast cancer. She has a history of ambitious fundraising efforts, including climbing 24 peaks in 48 hours and breaking a Guinness World Record at the London Marathon. Her trek will benefit Breast Cancer Now, NHS Charities Together, and the Willow Foundation.
Scully’s story highlights the powerful connection between physical challenges and emotional healing. Diagnosed with breast cancer in at the age of 32, Scully underwent a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She described herself as “bionic,” acknowledging the extensive medical procedures she’s endured, but emphasizing that these experiences fuel her determination to give back. “It’s everything that has happened to me, all my scars… none of that matters,” she stated.
The motivation behind these treks extends beyond personal battles. The “3 Filles en Baskets” association in France is organizing a charity dinner on , to fund their participation in the Rose Trip Maroc, another 100km trek through the Sahara. This event, organized by Désertours, emphasizes camaraderie and local engagement, with proceeds supporting both broader cancer research and the local organization Belle & Rose.
The Rose Trip Maroc distinguishes itself through its navigational challenge. Participants will rely on compass and map skills, navigating without GPS, fostering a sense of self-reliance and adventure. The trek aims to support organizations like Ruban Rose and Enfants du Désert.
Millie Mackintosh, a former star of “Made in Chelsea,” recently completed a 100km Sahara trek for charity and has spoken openly about a personal breast cancer scare. While details of the specific charity supported by Mackintosh’s trek weren’t provided, her experience underscores the growing awareness and proactive approach to breast health among public figures.
Lorraine Roche is also taking on a significant trek for The Christie Charity, inspired by her sister Carmel’s diagnosis with a rare cancer in . This demonstrates the deeply personal motivations driving individuals to undertake these demanding physical challenges.
These treks represent more than just physical endurance; they are powerful statements of resilience, solidarity, and a commitment to fighting cancer. The challenges inherent in navigating the Sahara – the intense heat, the vast distances, the reliance on teamwork – mirror the battles faced by those diagnosed with cancer and their families. Each step taken, each blister earned, contributes to a larger cause: raising vital funds for research, early detection programs, and support services.
The increasing popularity of these Sahara treks highlights a growing trend of combining athletic pursuits with charitable giving. By pushing their physical and mental limits, participants are not only raising money but also raising awareness, inspiring others to get involved, and fostering a sense of community in the fight against cancer. The desert, once a symbol of isolation and hardship, is now becoming a beacon of hope and determination.
