Many say that being a Chief Executive is one of the hardest and loneliest jobs you can do..

So that should stand two of Scotland’s local government Chief Executives in good stead as they prepare to swap desk for desert, computer for camel and meetings for mighty dunes in a bid to raise money for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Sally Loudon COSLA’s Chief Executive and Joyce White Chief Executive at West Dunbartonshire Council and Chair of SOLACE will undertake the five-day trek across the Sahara Desert between 31 October and 5 November 2019.

The intrepid duo ­– who will be trekking under the name of the Sahara Stompers - announced the trip and launched their JustGiving page in Edinburgh today (Thursday, 22 February). They also put out a call for volunteer Sahara Buddies to help them raise money for CHAS.

Commenting on their Sahara Desert trek, COSLA’s Chief Executive Sally Loudon said; “Being a Chief Executive is no stroll in the park and nor is a trek across the Sahara Desert.”

“Indeed, some might say that there are real similarities between the two in terms of tough days in hot conditions.

“But in all seriousness, I am delighted to have signed up for this CHAS Challenge and can think of no better cause to be undertaking it for.

“I am a mother of three children.  Knowing that your child has a life shortening condition is an unimaginable thought. 

“When I heard that I could play some small part in supporting CHAS to help a family ensure  their time together is filled with fun and happiness, I jumped at the chance.

“As well as launching our JustGiving page we’re asking friends, colleagues and family to become a Sahara Buddy and pledge to raise
£100.

“I look forward to conquering the mighty dunes of the Sahara and raising a decent amount of money for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.

Joyce White Chief Executive of West Dunbartonshire Council and Chair of SOLACE said: “CHAS offers home from home support through its two hospices; one in my own council area in Balloch and another in Kinross. It also provides hospice services all over Scotland through CHAS at home, offering fun and games as well as respite and emotional support.

“My sense of adventure and the desire to help this wonderful charity means that this trek is right up my street.  Being a Girl Guider, I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to make a difference, and it’s particularly fitting that we’re launching this on World Thinking Day when guides and scouts are encouraged to think about the impact they are having. I hope in some small way our effort helps and motivates others to do their bit.

“Myself and Sally are really looking forward to the challenge and have a year of events and fundraisers planned. We’re encouraging everyone to sign up to be a Sahara Buddy and help us raise as much money as possible for this truly worthy cause.

“Scotland’s Council Leaders through COSLA recently agreed to extend our funding to CHAS for another three years, showing our continued commitment to a great charity very close to the hearts of Scottish Local Government.”  

2018 is the Year of Young People and CHAS supports children, young people and their families up and down the length of Scotland.