Veterinary Nurse Completes Sahara Trek, Raises Nearly £27,000 for Homeless Pet Charity

A veterinary nurse has contributed to raising almost £27,000 through a trek across the Sahara Desert. Sarah Dawson, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was part of a 20-person group that faced intense conditions during a 100km (62 miles) four-day walking expedition. The money collected is designated for StreetVet, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals experiencing homelessness by offering complimentary veterinary services for their companion animals. The 38-year-old informed BBC CWR, “People’s generosity has been unbelievable, we’re all really proud of how much we’ve raised.” The expedition commenced on November 3, originating from a location in Morocco situated a 10-hour drive from Marrakesh. Mrs. Dawson recalled the experience, stating: “It was extremely difficult, fitness-wise, the temperatures were gruelling, it doesn’t matter what your fitness levels are, the heat, the massive sand dunes and the things you encounter – nothing can prepare you for that.“It was one extremity to the other, there were days when we’d walk for five hours and there would be no shade.” Initially planned for five days, the challenge was completed in four days by the fundraisers, who extended their daily walking periods because of the intense heat. Mrs. Dawson commented, “It was difficult but we all tried to spur each other on, keep momentum up and encourage each other – they got me through the hard days.” She further described the environment: “The landscape changes by the hour, you can walk up 500 metre sand dunes, then you can suddenly be in a rock field or an old lake bed. “There were lots of fossils to look at on the way then you could be in a mini oasis with palm trees as far as you could see with wild camels – it was unreal” To date, the group has accumulated £26,965.