Sahara Desert trek for Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge

Simon and Emma Percival will trek 100km over four days across the world's largest hot desert in memory of their grandad David Percival. 

The will also raise vital funds for the Arthur Rank Hospice. 

Based in Cambridge the hospice provided care to David, 74, who was given just 18 months to live after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. 

Founded in 1981, the hospice supports those in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition and those in need of end-of-life care. 

This is not the pair's first fundraiser, taking part in a 24-hour wheelchair push around Cambridgeshire during the Covid lockdown. (Image: Simon Percival)

Simon, 30, from Fordham, and Emma, 18, from Soham, are already more than half way towards their fundraising target of £5,000, but are hoping to raise more. 

Simon told the Ely Standard: "After our grandad passed away, my younger sister wanted to do something else to raise money and she found the Sahara trek and was looking for people to do it with her. 

"Naturally, I ended up volunteering and we're looking forward to it. We're training hard and doing as much fundraising as we can.

"The hospice was life-saving for our family. It was the knowledge that grandad had been taken care of that was the biggest comfort. 

"It's not just care they provide. They supported us as a family, providing respite care for my mum and a place for us to interact and forget about our worries."

The pair hope to raise £5,000 for the Arthur Rank Hospice. (Image: Simon Percival)

The pair organised the trek with Charity Challenge and aim to complete a gruelling 25km a day in a bid to reach their overall target distance. 

During the Covid lockdown the pair took part in a 24-hour wheelchair push around Cambridgeshire in honour of Arthur, who was wheelchair bound for nearly 60 years. 

They travelled the equivalent distance of a trip between Cambridge to Amsterdam. 

Simon added: "I don't think I'd be naturally included to trek the Sahara. I'm a bigger guy, so hot weather and long walks aren't always my go to, but Emma was very keen on it. 

"Training is intense at the moment and we recently competed with each other to see who could reach one million steps first. 

"It involved frequent walking and a few long distances. We're also into weight training so we're fit enough to complete what is going to be an immense challenge."