Preston care home managers completes fundraising adventure to Cambodia for local hospital

A passionate and committed fundraiser, Rad has supported several charitable causes over the years and has previously raised money for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ renal unit, where he was once a patient. His determination to give back is rooted in personal experience: Rad lives with Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome, a rare inherited genetic disorder that causes tumours and cysts to grow in various parts of the body, including the brain, spinal cord, eyes, inner ear, pancreas and kidneys.

Rad and Dawn began their challenge at the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest Buddhist temple in Cambodia – before trekking through the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and rural communities. To date, they have raised around £5,000 for Lancashire Teaching Hospital Charities.

Cambodia proved to be an unforgettable backdrop for their adventure. Rad and Dawn described it as “a beautiful country filled with history and warmth.” During the trek, they visited several Buddhist temples – even sleeping in some of them – and embraced the hot temperatures and occasional rain showers, which they said only added to the magic of the journey.

Walking just over 20km each day, the pair made their way through small villages, met local people, watched rice farmers at work and encountered a variety of animals along the way. The food was another highlight, with Rad recalling the “out-of-this-world flavours of freshly picked lemongrass and ginger with curry sauce,” which provided a well-earned boost at the end of each day. Angkor Wat remained a standout moment, not only for its scale and history but for the pride they felt knowing their efforts would help raise vital funds for Lancashire patients and their families.

Reflecting on the journey, Rad said: “This trek was life-changing. Cambodia’s beauty, its people, and the history we walked through made every step meaningful. Dawn and I definitely came back stronger and full of energy for the busy month ahead before Christmas. I would strongly recommend an adventure like this to anyone, it pushes you, inspires you, and stays with you forever.”

Dawn added: “Supporting Rad through every mile was an honour. The experience challenged us both, but it also uplifted us. The scenery, the culture, the people, everything about Cambodia was incredible. I’m so proud of what we achieved together and thrilled that our journey will help support such an important cause.”

Having seen first-hand the difference charitable donations make to patient care and wellbeing, Rad has taken on a number of adrenaline-fuelled fundraising events in recent years, including skydives, abseils and ziplines. His dedication was recognised when he was shortlisted for Charity Fundraiser of the Year at the Best of Lancashire Awards 2023.

Steven Hamblett, operations director at Sandstone Care, said: “Rad and Dawn have done something truly remarkable. Their dedication and spirit are inspiring, and everyone at Ribble Court and Sandstone Care is incredibly proud of them. Their trek across Cambodia is a testament to their resilience, generosity and commitment to helping others.”