We are part of a three-week expedition to the Sinai desert that will include a weeklong environmental project and two weeks on an endurance type hike through the desert. Three weeks in total. We shall be hiking in 45 degrees of heat as well as surviving one of the harshest environments in the world. It is our expedition and we are responsible for raising the funds. Our goal is to raise £100,000 for Children’s Bereavement Services and a secure Yoyo Club for bereaved children at both Woking and Sam Beare Hospices. In 2005, with the aid of a volunteer counsellor and three other volunteers, the Woking Hospice YOYO Club was launched to give support to bereaved children. The name ‘YoYo’ reflects the up and down nature of the emotions involved in a family loss. The specially designed activities are aimed at helping support and encourage the children through the grieving process, and to help them share their experiences with other children in a similar position. This current service to bereaved children and their families is neither sustainable nor capable of dealing with the number of referrals. We need to gain sufficient funding to secure this vital service.

Patients can be as young as 18 and suffering from any terminal illness, not just cancer.

The facilities and services provided include:

· In patient facilities - 10 beds currently at each Hospice

· Day care facilities

· Terminal care

· Pain and symptom control

· Respite care

· Counselling Team – with a dedicated YoYo Club for bereaved children (currently run by professional volunteers)

· Chaplaincy Team

· Community Macmillan Nurses and an Outreach Team to aid those patients who wish to stay at home. Services are free of charge to all patients and their families.

A key role for all participants on the Youth Desert Expedition will be to help raise £100 000 needed to fund two children’s counsellors, one for Woking Hospice and one for Sam Beare Hospice for at least three years. This would not only secure the future of the YoYo Club for bereaved children, but provide a dedicated counselling and advice service specifically for children and their families. Please give generously. The team are putting in a tremendous effort on their part and now we are asking you to help financially. Please help us to achieve our goal.