Hi - Update: 21/11/14.  After 5 very hard days, exhausted, emotional and not without some last day illness, I did it! The challenge was way out of my comfort zone, and much harder. The trekking days were much longer than billed.Thank you to everyone who sponsored me and enabled me to smash my target. On 13th November, I went to Morocco to complete a Sahara Desert Trek on behalf of the PSP Association (PSPA). PSP, or Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, is a rare neurological condition for which there is no known cause or cure. It involves the loss of neurons in the brain that allow for eye movement, balance, speech and swallowing. It is progressive and ultimately leads to the patient being unable to swallow, speak; have severe tunnel vision and be unable to mobilize themselves.

The PSP Association (PSPA) is the only national organisation in the UK dedicated to the support of people with this condition and those who care for them. They fund research and support patients, families and carers. I promised my mum that I would do whatever I could to support people with the condition.

I was self funding, so all the money raised will go to the charity. I Hiked up to 11 and a half hours per day through ever changing landscape and will climb the top of the Chigaga Dunes. The days were hot (35C) and the nights freezing. I slept outside. My mother, Leigh Maxin died from PSP, so I feel personally connected to the charity. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please do donate, on behalf of the PSPA, I will be hugely grateful. It's a fabulous cause.

Thank you

Paul