Dad who hates sand will trek across Sahara desert to raise money for Derian House Children's Hospital

A dad with a dislike for sand is trekking the Sahara Desert to raise money for the hospice that looks after his son.

Andrew Privett, from Leyland, is one of 31 adventurers who are preparing to walk 30 miles across the desert to raise vital funds for Chorley’s Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The team will travel across Morocco’s spectacular Chegaga Dunes over six days (November 11 - 16) facing extreme temperatures, challenging terrain and long days trekking beneath the desert sun, in the charity’s first overseas challenge.

Andrew, whose 12-year-old son Jacob is supported by Derian House, is among the desert explorers.

He said: “Jacob is an amazing little boy with such strength, resilience and he amazes me every single day, and this is a great opportunity for me to do something for the hospice that cares for my whole family.

“I love travelling and I can’t wait to see Morocco, I’m looking forward to the adventure.

“I’m expecting big spiders and bugs, but I backpacked around Australia for a year so I’m used to them.

“However, amazingly, I’m not a great fan of sand! So, I guess the Sahara should be one of the last places I want to go. But I’ve been up and down Lytham’s sand dunes during summer so I can get some practice walking on sand.

“With all the hot weather we’ve had, I’m hoping I’ll be ready for the desert temperatures. I try to keep fit and healthy in general. I run a lot, and walk my dog a lot.”

Andy has been busy fundraising in the run-up to the challenge, and has so far raised £3,907. In his latest effort he walked 20km on a treadmill at FoxFest, held at Fox Lane Sports Club in Leyland, to boost donations.

“Derian House is a lifeline to our family, offering overnight stays for Jacob, giving us a chance to rest as parents,” said Andy.

“Derian also offers amazing facilities, counselling for our family, and support for Jacob’s brother too. And we’re not alone, the hospice cares for hundreds of other families too.

“But they need to raise £6million each year, and so taking part in the Sahara Trek is my way of giving back.

“As a busy dad, this will also be an amazing adventure for me. Walking across the desert is not going to be easy, but I’d do anything for our son Jacob, and to make sure Derian House can continue their amazing work for families who need it.”

Andy and his fellow adventurers will walk for miles surrounded by nothing but desert, as camels walk beside them carrying their kit and supplies.

They’ll sleep in tents beneath the stars and wake to spectacular desert sunrises, facing temperatures that could soar to around 40°C during the day before dropping to as low as 10°C at night.

Kerry Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Families, colleagues and supporters of Derian House will be trekking across the Sahara Desert in our very first overseas challenge.

“I’m sure there’ll be plenty of tired legs and sandy shoes along the way! But knowing that every step will help raise money for the children and families we care for will keep us going. Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6million to run the hospice this year, and so we rely on our kind-hearted supporters to raise 70p in every £1.”

Derian House Children’s Hospice supports more than 400 babies, children and young people, along with their families, from across the North West.