A READING resident has done double desert duty in aid of hospices bringing support to those with life-limiting conditions in the south east.
Laura Chandler, a lead nurse at an independent boarding school, undertook the Ultra Saharan Challenge to raise thousands for Naomi House & Jackspace.
The challenge saw her tackle two marathons in two days through the rocky trails of the Saharan Desert in Morocco, where she endured temperatures as high as 41 degrees.
The journey also included passing through clay Berber villages and the Draa Valley, and staying in Bedouin-style camps under the stars.
While her initial goal was £1,500, Ms Chandler doubled her original target and raised over £3,000 through her JustGiving page.
The money raised will help the hospices provide specialist care for hundreds of life-limited and life-threatened children and young adults.
Ms Chandler said: “The Saharan double marathon was the toughest challenge of my life.
I experienced brutal temperatures and we didn’t have shade for hours at a time.
“The uneven terrain involved tackling steep hills, rock plains and boulders. It pushed me to my limits but it’s something I am forever going to be proud of.
“Naomi House & Jacksplace is a lifeline for many people– I chose to fundraise for them in memory of a little boy I cared for years ago.
“I felt like he was looking down on me and helping me get through the toughest parts of the journey.”
She added: “I am so proud to have raised so much money for the charity and completing this challenge, and thankful for everyone’s support.”
Tash Haji, senior fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “We are in awe of the magnitude of the challenge that Laura took on in aid of our hospices: not just the challenge itself, but her dedication to training for the challenge was so inspiring.
“Thank you, Laura– the amount you have raised is incredible, and will help us to support local life threatened and life limited children, young adults and their families.”
Laura Chandler’s fundraising page is available via: justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-chandler13
More information about Naomi House & Jacksplace is available via: naomihouse.org.uk
