AN intrepid explorer is taking on a three day trek across the Sahara to raise vital funds for Prospect Hospice.

James Dytham, 31, from Wroughton, will hike 40km of harsh desert terrain, beginning in the Moroccan oasis town of Tazzarine.

The challenge, which is open to all who are interested, takes trekkers across sand dunes and a stony desert plateau, with incredible views of mountains and endless Saharan sands.

When asked what he thinks he’ll find most challenging, James said: “I can’t claim to be the most active person; beyond walking the dog I avoid physical activity as much as I can.

"So the challenge for me will be getting fit, so that I can handle trekking every day, particularly in the heat of the desert. There will be lots of hiking in store for me in the coming months.”

For James, the hospice came as an obvious choice.

He said: “Prospect Hospice provides such incredible care in our local community - I couldn’t believe it when I found out that they receive less than 30 percent of their funding from the NHS and that all of their care is free.

“I knew that I had to take on this challenge to help raise funds for them, so that they can continue to look after people when they need help.”

Garry Wilkinson and Andy Spurgeon took on the Sahara two years ago, as part of Trek Bassett – raising £11,463.

“It was a fantastic and humbling experience,” said Garry.

“Sitting on a sand-dune and watching the sun set across the desert, then seeing the colours as it rose again, was truly magical.”

Andy added: “This was a life changing experience – isolation from the ‘normal world’ really helps you to put things into perspective and realise what’s important in life. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

For anyone who’s interested in joining James and other trekkers on the Sahara trek, Prospect Hospice are hosting an information evening about all overseas and UK challenges at the hospice in Wroughton on Wednesday, February, 1 at 5.30 – 7.30pm. Registration is only £99, with a minimum sponsorship target of £1,550 - for more information, contact the fundraising team on 01793 816180 or fundraisingandevents@prospect-hospice.net.

Since 1980, Prospect Hospice has been providing the only dedicated end-of-life care service for the 300,000 people living in our community – bringing care, comfort and confidence, around the clock, every day of the year. The hospice does this 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through its 16 bed in-patient unit, Day Hospice, CNS Team and Prospect@Home Service.