Ruta Greenslade, Jenny Hunt, Fiona Riddell - Sahara Desert Ultra Challenge – walking 84 kilometers for Head and Neck Cancer, UK (HANCUK)

Our Journey to Make a Difference

After successfully completing several Ultra Challenges in the UK over the past two years, we felt it was time to push our limits even further. This time, we’re stepping out of our comfort zone and into the Saharan Desert. We will walk 2 marathons in two days!

We have chosen a charity that means a great deal to us, both personally and professionally.

Head & Neck Cancer UK (HANCUK) is a relatively new UK charity, set up by Head & Neck Cancer Specialists and Survivors. It aims to act as an advocate for patients and their families to improve outcomes; to raise awareness on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment; to provide information and advice as well as to raise awareness of inequalities in treatment provision across the country.

Head and neck cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer, but in the UK, it is the 4th most common cancer in men.

There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the lips, tongue, throat, salivary glands, nose, sinuses and voice box.

The main risk factors for head and neck cancer are tobacco and alcohol, especially when combined. Many cancers of the back of the mouth/throat are linked to an infection with a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Treatment for Head and Neck Cancers may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These treatments can affect someone’s ability to eat and drink/swallow and communicate, as well as change someone’s appearance, all of which may have a devastating impact on their quality of life.

Our Challenge: We will embark on this journey from Marrakech, traveling seven hours to reach our base camp where we will spend three nights under the stars. Our two-day trek will take us across rocky terrain, through ancient mud-brick villages, lush palm groves, and date plantations in the Draa Valley. We will then face the ultimate test: crossing the vast Nakhla sand dunes.

We are driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Head and Neck cancer. With your support, we can help HANCUK to continue their essential work.

Every donation brings us one step closer to a future where Head and Neck cancer no longer takes such a heavy toll.

Please join us in supporting this worthwhile cause—your generosity can help save lives.