Diane's Fundraising Page

Diane is trekking the Sahara for St Christopher's

Trekking across ancient dried up river beds, sand dunes and vast sun-baked plains...

In November 2026, I'm venturing into the heart of the Sahara on an unforgettable trek across golden dunes and diverse desert terrain. The trip includes two full days and two half days of trekking in intense heat and camping under the stars each night. 

It will be a difficult but incredible challenge all for a good cause. 

Why I'm supporting St Christopher's

St Christopher’s Hospice exists to promote and provide skilled and compassionate palliative care of the highest quality.

Their vision is of a world in which all dying people and those close to them have access to appropriate care and support, when they need it, wherever they need it and whoever they are.

They rely on the generosity of their community, through fundraising campaigns like this, to continue providing our specialist palliative care and familiy care services free of charge.

Thank you for your support.

My Achievements

Added profile picture

Shared page

Added blog post

Received 5 donations

50% fundraising target

Fundraising target reached 100%

My Updates

Stormy weather!

Friday 30th Oct
Our final group training walk was scheduled for Saturday 24th October, the day after Storm Austen hit the UK and also when Storm Boelo was due to visit. Undeterred, we met at a slightly earlier time to try and complete most of the 19.5km before the weather was due to turn again. The beautiful scenery of Knole Park provided our backdrop and we were graced with the presence of deer, gently getting on with their day. Spirits were high despite the slog through the muddy fields, climbing over damp stiles and the imposing rain but it was great to get out with so many of the group. My legs felt the longer distance, especially the final 10 minute sprint to make my train home but it was good to know that I could manage it. As the clocks went back that night, the extra hour in bed was very welcome!

Time is running out, only 3 weeks left until we leave so if you have been meaning to donate then please do. Thank you! X

Sand training at Camber…

Friday 30th Oct
With only 6 weeks left until we head for the Sahara, it was finally time to confront my deep dislike of sand as a group of us trudged across the beautiful Camber Sands. It felt good to test out my boots and gaiters as I tackled my nemesis, compared to walking on grass and pavement. My muscles definitely worked harder and felt the difference especially when we climbed up and down the dunes. We were blessed with sunshine and warmth and it was great to meet more of our group. Roll on November 19th…

Diane goes trekking across the Sahara...EEK!!

Wednesday 11th Mar
If you know me well you will know that:
  • I hate sand
  • I hate camping
  • I hate not having access to a shower
So you’ll understand just what it means for me to take on “Trek the Sahara 2026.”

Why am I doing this? At my friend’s funeral last year, we were encouraged to challenge ourselves and step outside of our comfort zone to honour her memory, and the Sahara Trek definitely hits that mark for me. But I’m going to do it, just because I can - if I manage to overcome my fears!

2025 took precious friends too soon, and hospices played an important part in the final stages of their journeys. St Christopher’s Hospice is widely respected and invaluable in our local community, but funding is limited, so they rely mainly on donations.

I hope you’ll support me in my fundraising efforts; every penny raised will help St Christopher’s Hospice continue their outstanding work.

Please give what you can. Thank you so much, Diane xx

Thank you to my Sponsors

£250

Steve Jones

Sand and no shower??? You deserve every penny you get. So proud of you doing this xxx

£150

Ivor & Sarah

Wow! What an amazing challenge and fantastic cause… enjoy the experience Diane, you’ll be awesome! 😊xo

£100

Richard & Theresa

💪🙏

£100

Dj

Leave footprints, bring back memories.

£100

Jane

Good luck Diane. You are a legend. X

£100

Wingka Wan

You can do it Di.💪💪 Good luck! Wink & Oscar ❤️❤️

£100

Jessica And Jason

My dad had amazing care from a hospice at the end of his life. Thanks for taking on this challenge for a really important cause.

£100

Jamie Picken

Great work, Diane — such a brilliant cause. I’ve no doubt one of those stars you’ll be sleeping under will be B, looking down and cheering you on. Jamie & Pete

£60

Clare Bryan

£55

Melissa Wyatt

This is a charity very close to my heart as you know Diane, thank you so much for doing this, such a worthy cause 💛💛💛

£55

Ed Williams

You go gal!

£55

Lynn Lodge

Good luck Diane, sure you will smash it.

£50

Spike & Gill

£50

Michael Thomson

What an amazing idea! Wishing you a wonderful experience. Bravo!

£50

John Reid

£50

Alex Eeles

Have fun!!! 😁

£50

Raymond Cheung

Good luck, sis!

£50

Eddie Cheung

Sounds fun! I'm sure it'll just be like a walk in the park! Good Luck!

£50

Hu And Kate Fergusson

Keep smashing it Diane! Love hugs and hydration* Hu, Kate Tom and Alex xxx *to be supplied at a later date

£50

Kath D

What a fantastic challenge for an important cause. You'll do brilliantly xxx

£50

Karin & Andrew

I love you've taken action following the funeral. I hope you love your max experience & raise your target Bravo 👏

£50

Sarah, Guy And Kids And Kitties Xxxxx

I know your hang ups, so I know this is a big deal! I also know you’ll smash it because you’re awesome. Loads of love xxx

£50

Nicol

Wow - that is impressive! What a great thing to do.

£50

Rosie Yoga X

Amazing! Go Girl!!! Great cause x

£50

Jeannette

Take plenty of wet wipes. Good luck you nutter - excellent cause xx

£50

Elizabeth Delamain

Go Di - You'll be amazing and enjoy. Love the Delamains X

£50

Susan C

Wow - that’s a challenge and a half but know you will smash it. Good luck xx

£50

The Shorts

Wow Diane. You are a dark horse. You have got this. So proud of you my dear. Such a n amazing cause. Xx

£44

Tina, Iain, And Girls

Di, Despite the challenges you will face, I know you will enjoy this experience of a lifetime (type 2 fun!!) Txx

£44

Sheona

Good luck, Di!

£44

Martyn Brooks

£44

Naomi

Wow Diane what a wonderful adventure! Good for you- our hospices need all the help they can get x

£44

Emma Johnston

Good luck Diane, wishing you all the best and welll done you in help a great cause. I hadn’t heard of the charity but what amazing people. Xx

£44

Alexandra Bourdelon

You go girl! Also what kind of shoes does one wear to hike in the Sahara?

£44

J Bowman

Go Di!

£44

Lucy Dale

So wonderful that you are honouring your friend like this and for such a fantastic local hospice. Good luck and look forward to the debrief! Lucy and the Dales x

£35

Poppy Jones

have fun in the sahara 🐪

£30

Fay Chung

£30

Julia Galliers

I'm soooo impressed that you're doing this Diane. Well done!!!

£30

Sabrina. X

Good luck! Xxx

£30

Susanna & Norman ☺️

Such a worthy cause. Enjoy the experience. Good Luck Diane and Team 😊

£30

Marga And Matti

Go Diane! What a fantastic challenge for a brilliant cause xx

£30

Fiona Fong

Well done Di and friends. A worthy case and adventure.. pack those blister packs! 😎🚶

£30

Sara George

What an amazing thing to do

£30

Nina Miles

Good luck Di!

£25

Sarah T

Good Luck Diane! It's going to be amazing (and a bit tough!) Wishing you all lots of strength, and energy. You've got this! xxx

£25

Sharon Willis

Good luck Diane, it will be amazing and a great charity to support! I expect to see you dancing at some point! xx

£25

Linda Campbell

What a challenge for such a deserving cause. Good luck xx

£25

Stuart Costley

Saharan Legend x

£25

Sandra Mcvann

What an adventure this will be , I can’t wait to hear all about it ! Good luck Diane

£25

Fran

You’ll love it! Next stop Vision Quest

£21

Fatma Aydogdu

What an amazing cause and challenge! Cannot wait hearing your stories! At the end of it, you might be converted as SAND lover😂. You will smash it! Good Luck lovely Diane!! Xxx

£21

Nina Munday

Good luck!

£21

Melinda

Super cool! You're awesome!

£21

Kirstie Clark

Pendleside hospice was a great support to mum and dad when they were falling between NHS cracks. St Christopher’s is where it all started - it’s an amazing thing you are doing, and I know how you feel about camping! :-) Go Diane!

£21

El & Steve

Best of luck! Xx

£21

Jules Maxwell

Go girlfriend!!!

£21

Fiona Leonard

What an amazing challenge ...GO DIANE! =)

£21

Mari :-)

£21

Ming Liu

If you don't do it twice and once with no shoes on we will be very disappointed.

£21

Frankie

Go for it Di!!!

£21

Laura Chow

Good luck!

£21

Carley Hennah

Go for it Diane!

£21

Deborah Garvey

Go Diane Goooooo! What an amazing thing you’re doing for such a good cause. 😊x

£21

Cecilia Kingston

£21

Fiona Notman

Go for it Diane! Lots of love from Fi x

£20

Lizzie Treece

Good luck!!!

£20

Pauline Costello

Good luck Di!! Well done you, no showers and sand sound most challenging, I don’t think I could do it! Smash it! Xxx

£20

Helena Jones

£20

Caroline Rook

Good luck Diane! Xx

£10

Dommy Monty

Wow, what an incredible challenge an adventure. Super proud of you and for a fantastic cause.

£10

Jane Tooke

£10

Lorraine & Jim Stark

You will do amazing can't wait to hear about it!!