My Story:

I lost my father, Darren, to non-hodgkins lymphoma in April of 2016, when I was just 21 and in my final year at university. My youngest sister was only 12. It changed our lives forever. Determined to live out his legacy and create something good from a horrible time, I started engaging with the Love Hope Strength foundation, who work to support people going through cancer across the globe.

LHS was important to Dad as it was founded by Mike Peters of The Alarm, who were his favourite band, and he was a great supporter and follower of Mike Peters all his life. In June 2019 I took part in Snowdonia Rocks in my Dad's memory, an event which has changed my life and brought me closer to my Dad than I have been since his passing. There I met Jules Peters, Mike's wife and LHS co-founder and my journey with LHS began . Since then I've attended several LHS and Alarm events and met a whole second family who each come with their own stories of how their lives have been affected by cancer, united by a common goal to save lives one rock concert at a time. This is exceptionally important to me, because it's how I can give back, remember my Dad, and channel my grief. 

This year, I will be joining them on a trek across the Sahara. You can read more about the 5 day trek across the dunes below. I would be so so grateful if you could donate towards my challenge. And I know my Dad would be so chuffed at the good being achieved in his name.

About Love Hope Strength and Sahara Rocks

Love Hope Strength presents Sahara Rocks, a trek through the ever-changing desert landscape of Northern Africa from 27th October 2nd November 2020. Trekkers will experience the beauty of one of the most breathtaking deserts in the world, but its going to be challenging, with a climb to the top of the Chigaga Dunes, the highest dunes in the Sahara, early starts and some long hiking days.

LHS was co-founded by acclaimed musician Mike Peters, who aimed to save lives, one concert at a time, and give hope to families affected by cancer. The money raised through Sahara Rocks will support healthcare projects in Africa to help make LHS vision of a better world for people with cancer a reality.

Over the past decade LHS has established the 'Get On The List' programme to help people with a blood cancer who need a second chance of life. To date LHS has registered over 200,000 people to international stem cell donor registries. Over 4,000 of those who've registered have been identified as potentially life saving matches. Over £1m has been raised globally to help support some of the most vulnerable people affected by cancer. LHS has equipped hospitals and community cancer services with new facilities and equipment in parts of the UK, US, Africa and Asia.

Led by volunteers and supported by partnerships with leading international organisations, LHS provides those it serves with a lifeline. Sahara Rocks will help spread love hope and strength to those who need it most.

Note: all of the funds raised go direct to Love Hope Strength. Half of the target total goes towards challenge costs for those involved, and all else will go to helping those affected by cancer across the globe.